Gevrey bounced back from Kerry National disappointment to lift the J.T McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National at Limerick on Sunday.
Irish Grand National runner-up Gevrey goes one better in the €100,000 @Ladbrokes Munster National to lead home a 1-3-5 for @gelliott_racing under Ricky Doyle at @LimerickRaces ?? pic.twitter.com/i4OvbNmmmf
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 22, 2023
Having previously plundered the €100,000 feature with dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll in 2016 and Aforementioned in 2020, Gordon Elliott appeared intent on adding to his tally as he saddled eight of the 12 runners to go to post for the latest running of the three-mile contest.
Gevrey was among the leading contenders for last month’s Kerry National at Listowel, but was pulled up after making a bad mistake three fences from the finish.
The seven-year-old was a 6/1 chance to redeem himself in the hands of Ricky Doyle and did just that, knuckling down from the final fence to see off Largy Debut by two and a quarter lengths.
Elliott, who also saddled the third placed Coko Beach, has been in New Jersey, where he trained three winners on the undercard of the American Grand National at Far Hills on Saturday.
His assistant Lisa O’Neill said: “This is fantastic, we had a great day yesterday and the horses are running well.
“Gevrey always looked like there was a big pot in him and it is great for him to fulfil his potential. He has bags of stamina, he loves that ground and Ricky gave him a great ride.
“Gordon came back on a flight into Dublin this morning along with Jack (Kennedy).”
Doyle rode the winner of the Kerry National in the shape of Desertmore House, who only made it into the race when Elliott withdrew two of his runners.
He said: “Thanks to Gordon for putting me on the horse and it was because of him that I ended up getting into the Kerry National as a second reserve last month. To be able to repay him back is great.
“That’s my first winner for Gordon so it’s not a bad one to get. I’ve been going into Gordon’s for the past two seasons and while I was getting plenty opportunities, I didn’t get much luck previously.
“This game is a big roundabout and you have to keep all doors open and I enjoy going to Gordon’s where it’s good craic and I ride some good horses. They are fun mornings and to ride a winner like this is a big bonus.”
Chasing debut
There was a notable name in the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase, where 2021 Triumph Hurdle winner Quilixios made a successful fencing debut on his first outing for 610 days.
?? Quilixios vs Cool Survivor ??
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 22, 2023
A fantastic tussle in the finale at @LimerickRaces with the 2021 Triumph Hurdle hero coming out on top @rachaelblackmor | @HenrydeBromhead | @CPStudOfficial pic.twitter.com/jlHwJAw9jp
Henry de Bromhead’s charge did have to survive a final-fence blunder, however, before rewarding even-money backers by a neck.
Winning rider Rachael Blackmore said: “I’m not sure what happened us at the last but he jumped a little right throughout.
“It is great to get him back and he is beautiful. He feels like a very good horse – which we know he is – and it was a great result, albeit it wasn’t that pretty.”
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