Runner-up to Bob Olinger in the Stayers’ Hurdle at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, the Robcour-owned son of Masked Marvel returned to the number one spot this afternoon.

It was a welcome winner for trainer Gordon Elliott, who had been close a number of times this week, without claiming a winner.

The eight-year-old tracked the leaders before making a move two out. He was soon ridden by Sam Ewing and asked for his effort. The popular French-bred gelding moved into the lead and wasn’t for catching.

Asterion Forlonge (18/1), who raced towards the rear for much of the contest made his move up the rail under Paul Towend. The Joe and Marie Donnelly-owned grey claimed the runner-up spot, four and a quarter lengths behind the winner.

It was announced after the race that the seven-time winner had run his last race and the 11-year-old is now being retired.

Jessica Harrington’s Jetara (6/1) kept on for third place without ever threatening the first two that crossed the finishing line.

“A star of a horse”

A relieved Gordon Elliott, who was winning his first race of the week, admitted:

“This horse has got me out of trouble a few times and he’s done it again. He’s a star of a horse. I was panicking turning in to be honest.

“He’s so laidback at home and you nearly start questioning yourself, ‘Is he a bit heavy going around the ring?’ Sam gave him a no-nonsense ride and kept it very straightforward.”

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The southern racetrack will host its Racing Home For Easter Festival with racing starting on Saturday with an all flat card, while Easter Sunday and Easter Monday will be days for National Hunt followers.

The weekend highlights takes place on Sunday with the Bar One Racing Easter Handicap Hurdle and the Grade 3 Michael O’Sullivan Chase, named in honour of the popular Lombardstown native. In 2018 Michael O’Sullivan rode his first winner at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, aboard the Wilcosdiana trained by his uncle, Eugene O’Sullivan.

Bar One Racing Easter Handicap Hurdle

Among the 16 runners for the Bar One Racing Easter Handicap Hurdle is the Desmond Kenneally-trained Pray Tell. A winner of the Grade 3 Singletons SuperValu Stayers Novice Hurdle in December, Pray Tell was last seen in Grade 1 company, and will aim to record another memorable victory at Kenneally’s local racecourse.

The Big Doyen is another notable runner in the €45,000 showpiece over two miles and three furlongs. The eight-year-old is set to have his first start since moving to trainer Declan Queally. Top owner J.P. McManus is represented by the Colm Murphy-trained Goraibhmaithagat, and January winner Well Dressed, for Eddie and Patrick Harty.

Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Gavin Cromwell has Addragoole and the consistent Tonaghneave Well in the race.

Waterford handler Henry de Bromhead, who won the race last year with Lucky Zebo, relies on previous Cork winner Arctic Bresil. The Ross O’Sullivan-trained Natural Look, and John McConnell’s West Away are also previous winners at the Mallow track.

Grade 3 Michael O’Sullivan Chase

Last year’s winner, Asterion Forlonge, heads the runners for the Grade 3 Michael O’Sullivan Chase, going to post at 3.57pm.

Champion handler Willie Mullins also has Mister Policeman among the five-runner field. Gordon Elliott’s Fll Dor, Lonesome Boatman from the Seán Allen yard, and Charles Coakley’s Hascoeur Clermont are the other runners in the 3 miles 100 yards contest.

Starting times

Racing at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, on Saturday will start at 1.25pm with an eight race flat card which features the Easter Festival April 19th-21st Handicap.

Sunday’s eight-race jumps programme will commence at 1.12pm. Easter Monday’s will see the first of eight jumps races go to post at 1.15pm.

Further details are available on the Cork Racecourse website.

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