Tattersalls Ireland Spring Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)

ONE of the great constants of the season was on show in the first Grade 1 of the season for juvenile hurdlers in Ireland as Gordon Elliott, who has dominated this division to the exclusion of everyone else, sent out the promising Quilixios to make it four wins from as many starts.

In the absence of stablemate Zanahiyr, it fell to the Cheveley Park Stud-owned gelding to maintain Elliott’s stranglehold in this division.

Some 99 days after he was last seen in action, the 4/6 favourite was stepping up in class as he took on some promising types with Jack Kennedy on board.

The free-going Saint Sam enjoyed an uncontested lead for much of the race and there was period before two out where Quilixios looked as though he might have plenty on his plate to reel in.

However, Quilixios devoured that deficit to ease into the lead off the last bend and he quickly set about building up a decent advantage.

A fine jump at the last put the seal on a five-and-a-half-length victory which sets up this son of Maxios for an eagerly awaited clash with Zanahiyr in the Triumph.

Relief

“It’s a relief to get one on the board but if I’m really honest he was the first horse I really fancied this weekend and it’s great he’s done it like that.

“It’s a first Grade 1 winner for Cheveley Park since Mr Thompson passed away and I’m pleased for the family that he’s won as Mr Thompson was a wonderful supporter of ours.

“He will go straight to the Triumph now and I don’t think you could have asked for any more from the horse.

“In fairness to him he’s been off a while and it was my plan to go to Chepstow for the Finale Hurdle over Christmas but when that was called off he had to come here and off a good break he’s done that well and he will improve,” added Elliott.