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Elliott's DRF Party continues

Party Central got favourite-backers off to the perfect start when landing strong support in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle.

Ridden with typical patience by Davy Russell, who still had nine horses in front of him leaving the back straight, 7/4 market leader Party Central travelled sweetly through the pack to challenge long-time leader Minx Tiara coming to the final flight.

She quickly went on to seal the contest and, despite idling on the run-in, won by a length and three-quarters from stable companion Say Goodbye (33/1) who did some good late work under Robbie Power. Third was Banntown Girl at 11/1, with the game Minx Tiara (16/1) sticking on well for fourth.

Elliott said: “I’d say she’s a black-type mare to be fair. We had her in a black-type race last week but I thought, with the mark she had, she was too well handicapped to run her in it.

“We said we’d keep her for this and we could always get black type somewhere else down the road. She has plenty of it already.

“Davy gave her a beautiful ride and when she got there she just pulled up, she had done enough. She’s a nice mare.

“Noel and Valerie (Moran, owners) like to have a few broodmares, so we’ll try to make her into a broodmare. They’ll be going to Cheltenham for the week so if they’d like to run her, she’ll be on the lorry.”

Sky Bet cut Party Central to 10/1 from 16/1 (NRNB) for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Elliott and Russell were celebrating again at 20/1 shot Call Me Lyreen got up to win the two-mile Liffey Handicap Hurdle.

Another tucked away behind rivals on the first circuit, the winner was tight to the inside rail turning in and still travelled strongly in sixth heading to the final flight. Russell switched him out for the late run and a big leap at the last propelled the 20/1 shot, emerging a length and a quarter to the good over Magic Tricks (9/1), with Autumn Evening and Sea Ducor third and fourth respectively.

Elliott added: “Davy gave him a good ride. We said we’d ride him a bit cold today, creep away, and that’s exactly what Davy did. There is only one winning post.

“Shane Fitzgerald gave my other horse a lovely ride as well to finish second but unfortunately he bumped into one.

“The horses are running well, that’s our third winner of the weekend and most of the rest of them have been placed so we’re very happy with the way they’ve been running.”

Birchdale makes most of drop in weights

Former Nicky Henderson representative Birchdale won the valuable two-mile Bulmers Secret Orchard Leopardstown Handicap Chase for trainer Enda Bolger and 7lb claiming rider Mark McDonagh.

Another winning favourite on the card, the well-backed 9/2 market leader crept into contention from off the pace and went on to see off 3/1 chance Foxy Jacks, with another in the JP McManus silks, Winter Escape, back in third at 33/1. Gallant John Joe (11/1) was fourth with the front-running Blackbow (7/1) having to settle for fifth.

McDonagh told RTE: “It’s a dream to ride in these colours. It’s my first ride in them, so thanks to Enda, Mr (Frank) Berry (owner’s racing manager), Mr McManus and my agent Garry Cribbin.

“I’m studying Business in UL (University of Limerick) and I’m on work experience at the moment at Joseph O’Brien’s, doing a bit of office work too, and it’s great to be able to do both things.”

Bolger added: “I thought he got a great ride from young Mark, I’ve known him for a long time as he used to come in a ride out for us.

“It all came together today and 9st 7lb was a help. It was Mr Berry’s idea to use him, it’s getting harder to get fellas to do the weight. Mark is riding well and it was an easy decision. He was outstanding on him.

“This was kind of the plan and it’s a prestigious race to win.”

Sky Bet cut Birchdale to 8/1 from 14/1 (NRNB) for the Paddy Power Plate at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

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