Toner hits the target for Elliott
Gordon Elliott’s consistent Toner D’Oudairies benefited from a power-packed Davy Condon ride to steal the Imperial Call Chase at Cork from under the nose of Noble Prince.
Paul Nolan’s 10-year-old Noble Prince appeared to have the race in safe keeping under Alan Crowe on the run to the last and Crowe sat still to make sure he did not make a mistake.
A length behind him was Condon, who threw everything at his mount and the seven-year-old responded in kind and landed running.
The pair were separated by the width of the track on the run-in but it was Toner D’Oudairies (9-10 favourite) who narrowly prevailed.
Condon said: ``Gordon was in two minds whether he would get the trip, but the drying ground helped. He struggled a bit on heavy and he jumped a bit left today which was unusual for him. That's why he ended up on the stands-side rail.
“I thought he had thrown it away, but in fairness to him he has plenty of guts and that’s what won it for him.”
Willie Austin's Blacklough (7-1) had to survive a stewards' enquiry but was allowed to keep the Easter Handicap Hurdle.
Bridgequarter Girl and Blacklough came close in the final 100 yards and there was only a neck between them at the line.
The fact the result stood meant winning jockey Kevin Sexton moved one nearer to becoming champion conditional jockey as he is now three clear of Jody McGarvey.
Austin said: “He’s a hardy horse and deserved that win having put in some great performances recently.
“The ground helped and long-term he’ll make a nice chaser. He’ll go chasing next season but will run next in a big handicap hurdle at Punchestown.”
