Rock too hard for Royal rivals
Gimli's Rock put up a solid performance to outpoint his rivals in the WKD Core Hurdle at Down Royal and star in a near 420-1 treble for Jessica Harrington today.
The Co Kildare trainer had a better fancied runner, Summit Meeting, in the Grade Two contest, but he could only finish third as Gimli's Rock (10-1) stamped his authority with a convincing success.
Sent into the lead by Tom Treacy at the second-last flight after the hot favourite Luska Lad had gone on five out, Gimli's Rock drew away to score by four lengths from Der Spieler.
"Gimli's Rock will have a break now and may then go for the Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran next in the New Year," said Harrington.
"He has improved so much recently."
Harrington made it two when Saville Row (16-1) showed plenty of style to make a winning debut in the hands of Robbie Power in the Allianz Maiden Hurdle.
"We originally thought he would never come on but he started to improved a lot recently," said Harrington.
"I told Robbie to try to be in the first five today and it was great to win. Whatever happens over hurdles, he will make a lovely chaser next season."
Power was also aboard Bostons Angel as the 5-4 favourite completed the Harrington hat-trick with an easy one-length win in the Porter & Co Beginners Chase.
"He was entitled to do that on his form and he has improved so much since his last run at Punchestown. He'll run in the Drinmore Chase next," added the trainer.
Paddy Neville's Macville could be Cheltenham-bound in March after landing a smooth triumph in the Grade Three EBF Lough Construction Ltd. Mares Novice Hurdle.
The 8-1 shot, ridden by Paul Townend, pulled clear to score by eight lengths from Oilily and odds-on favourite Araucaria.
"We weren't concerned about the trip and she goes on any ground," said County Limerick-based Neville.
"We will have to strongly consider going to Cheltenham in March with her and while Leopardstown over Christmas is also an option, we may give her a break now."
Toner D'Oudairies (10-1) looked a useful recruit when running away with the Eventsec 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle for trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Davy Russell.
Carrying the Gigginstown House Stud colours, the French-bred gelding won by six lengths win from Ember Jack.
Elliott's representative Bobby McNally said: "Toner D'Oudairies got a fright at the first hurdle at Thurles the last day but loves that ground.
"He has been well schooled since and may go for a Grade Three hurdle at Fairyhouse in a few weeks' time."
The winner was introduced in the Triumph Hurdle betting at 33-1 by Stan James.
