Elliott's impressive form continues with Fairyhouse treble
CLIMBING THE RUNGS: Jacob's Ladder and Jack Kennedy win for trainer Gordon Elliott. Pic: Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott's string clearly remain in good form with another treble, courtesy of three smart prospects across an eight-race card at Fairyhouse.
Jacob's Ladder took the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase under Jack Kennedy, who was on board all three.
A 100-30 chance to get off the mark over fences and the third time of asking, the Grade Three-winning hurdler duly obliged with a comfortable four-and-a-quarter-length win.
"That was good, I'd say the softer ground was in his favour," said Elliott.
When asked if the drop in trip helped, Elliott added: "I wasn't sure it would but it looked like it might have. I'd say the cheekpieces just sharpened him up."
The Enabler then prevailed as the 6-4 favourite in the Join Racing TV Now Rated Novice Chase, winning by 15 lengths on his second start over fences.
"That was great. He jumped great but Jack said he was very idle in front, going a bit left and right. He was a bit leery in front," said Elliott.
"He's a nice horse, we knew he had improved from the first day so we're happy.
"You'll probably see him going handicap chasing now rather than graded races. We'll keep it small."
Completing the treble was Bally Free in the Fairyhouse Christmas Party Maiden Hurdle.
"He's a fine big horse. He's a big staying chaser for next year, that's what he was bought to be," said Elliott of the £160,000 purchase.
"He showed a good attitude. He definitely improved from his first run.
"I'd say you couldn't get a race far enough for him. He's a big honest galloping horse."
Noel Meade also has his horses in rude health with two victories across the card, the first of which being 7-4 favourite Ben Hur in the William Bourke Memorial 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.
The former Flat performer came home two lengths to the good under Donagh Meyler and could be set to step up in grade.
"He's a very nice horse. He's big, strong, stays well and has a bit of speed," said Meade.
"He got held up with us as a three-year-old on the Flat. He had two runs as a two-year-old and was unlucky not to win the first time as he got locked in and couldn't get out.
"I was a bit worried about the ground, I'd say goodish ground will suit him.
"We might run over Christmas, we're hoping that he might end up in the Fred Winter or something over there (in England)."
Meade then teamed up with Mark Walsh to the take the Easter Festival Tickets On Sale Now Novice Handicap Hurdle with Fierce Handay, the 11-10 favourite and a three and three quarter-length winner.
