HIS hurdling career hasn’t quite taken flight in the expected manner but Gordon Elliott’s Lethal Steps (10/1) showed that he might yet develop into a force over timber as he became the longest priced winner of the Galwaybayhotel.com & Galmont.com Novice Hurdle since 2008. From 12 previous starts over hurdles the Cheveley Park Stud-owned grey had just a Sligo maiden hurdle win to his name, but it was all change here.

He travelled sweetly for Davy Russell and in the heat of battle, off the last bend he showed a fine attitude to subdue the favourite Authorized Art before pulling away to beat Morosini by two lengths. Happily, Darragh O’Keeffe walked away from a nasty incident approaching two out when a slipped saddle saw him part company with Rip Rocks Paddy Ok.