Elliott finds clarity through fog as Croke Park's pedigree is all too visible at Leopardstown 

After flagship festive meeting almost falls victim to conditions, trainer lands spoils in feature race and brings tally of Grade One successes to 99

THE FOGGY TWO: Sam Ewing onboard Croke Park comes home to win The Racing Post Long Distance Novice Steeplechase ahead of Danny Gilligan onboard Better Days Ahead

St Stephen’s Day racing in Leopardstown came perilously close to coming to a premature conclusion as fog blighted the meeting from start to finish.

Racing authorities were concerned with the lack of visibility and the safety and integrity issues which they raised. As a result, there was an hour and a quarter between the third and fourth races, during which period the prospect of the remainder of the meeting going ahead were seriously considered.