DUCA DELIVERS FOR DELIGHTED GORD

THE improving Duca De Thaix took the honours in the €100,000 Betvictor Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse yesterday.

The six-year-old was a 3/1 favourite to give Gordon Elliott his third consecutive victory in this race and his supporters never had a moment’s concern.

Duca De Thaix travelled very well and jumped superbly before cruising clear of the field after the second last fence. The winner’s stablemate Cubomania and Blazer did close in after the final fence but the market leader hit the line with half a length to spare. “We thought he was a good horse last season when things didn’t work out for him but he was good there,” commented Elliott (left). “He’s got a bit of speed and a touch of class and he’ll head on to the big meeting at Leopardstown next month.” Leopardstown in early February is also the target for Elliott’s Surin following her victory in the four-year-old conditions hurdle.

The Jack Kennedy-ridden mare just managed to win a cracking duel with Gardens Of Babylon after the pair did battle from the second last hurdle.

“She’s an improving filly and the next race for her is the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival,” reported Elliott.

The card began with a surprise as Kingston Girl upstaged the odds on Caravation in the mares maiden hurdle.