Horses named after footballers fought out the final race at Wexford last Tuesday with Garnacho defeating Costacurta in the rated novice chase over 2m3f.
The winner is trained near Monasterevin by Mark Fahey and he was partnered to victory by his regular rider Tom O’Connor from Dingle.
A well-backed 11-4 favourite, Garnacho was making his debut over fences and jumped pretty well in the main, finding the lead at the last fence and staying on to win by over two lengths. He should be able to add to the tally before too long.
Gordon Elliott is gaining momentum into the new jumps season and he sent out a brace of winners at Bellewstown on Saturday.
Both scored by handsome margins, the first of those Mino Des Mottes (5-2) who had 10 lengths to spare at the end of the opening novice hurdle. This horse, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, was making his first start for Elliott having left Willie Mullins. Promising conditional rider Josh Williamson took the ride on this occasion.
Elliott’s stable jockey Jack Kennedy rode the other winner, Ardeen Joy (5-1) in the mare’s maiden hurdle over 2m4f. It was the champion jockey’s first success of the new season after a well-earned break.
“I started back last week. Nice to get one on the board early. She is improving this mare, she is learning on the job. Hopefully there is more to come,” Kennedy said.
Upcoming Fixtures
Tramore Tues July 7 (first race 5.25pm)
Fairyhouse Weds July 8 (first race 4.38pm)
Leopardstown Thurs July 9 (first race 4.50pm)
Cork (NH) Fri July 10 (first race 5.10pm)
Kilbeggan (NH) Fri July 10 (first race 4.50pm)
Limerick Sat July 11 (first race 5.25pm)
Navan Sat July 11 (first race 1.48pm)
Dundalk Sun July 12 (first race 2.00pm)
Sligo (NH) Sun July 12 (first race 1.45pm)
