Percy is back with a Boom

RACE-FIT Presenting Percy proved too strong for Kemboy and Monalee in the listed Boomerang.ie Chase in Thurles yesterday.

Recording his first success over fences since the 2018 RSA at Cheltenham and ridden for the first time by Jack Kennedy, the nine-year-old forged clear between the last two fences to beat Kemboy (blundered at the fourth last) by six and a half lengths with long-time leader Monalee in third.

Percy, helped by a recent run in Down Royal, was also recording his first win since joining Gordon Elliott.

Winning rider Kennedy said: “He had fitness on his side and gave an exhibition of jumping. He’s very straightforward. I was delighted the way he travelled. He jumped super and quickened up well at the back of the second last.”

The winner and runner-up are likely to clash again in the Savills at Leopardstown over Christmas while Monalee will go for the King George at Kempton.

Meanwhile, Ferny Hollow, winner of the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, is set to make his hurdling debut in today’s INH

Stallion Owners Maiden Hurdle in Gowran Park.

And the Willie Mullinstrained gelding will be expected to triumph, despite the presence of Henry de Bromhead’s Bob Olinger – impressive on his only racecourse appearance, in a point-topoint bumper at this venue.

Mullins also introduces a couple of interesting French recruits, Youmdor in the juvenile opener and well-regarded Galopin Des Champs in the novice where he must concede

14lb to Joseph O’brien’s hurdling debutante Mighty Blue.

There’s also racing in Dundalk tonight where Ratib, a Frankel colt, an eye-catcher when fifth to Lough Dergo on his debut, might continue Joseph O’brien’s good run with his juveniles in the mile maiden.

FIRST TRIUMPH FOR Trainer Gordon Elliott