FOR the second year in succession Gordon Elliott struck gold in the Grade 2 Lyons Of Limerick Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle as Farouk d’Alene banished memories of his ragged effort at Navan last time to get his season back on track.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned gelding, who was a chance winner for Jody McGarvey after Keith Donoghue went to Leopardstown, looked ill at ease going left handed in the Monksfield Novice Hurdle last time, but jumped far better this time. Indeed the 2/1 favourite looked to be firmly in charge of this near three-mile contest when he strode to the front with around six to jump.