Improving Son Of Yeats Bolts Up In Maiden Hurdle

Yeats Star (4g Yeats - Vics Star, by Old Vic) drew clear to gain a deserved win in Friday’s maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.

Gordon Elliott’s charge finished third over course and distance last month, and made a quick return at Roscommon, where he was headed close home. Sent off favourite to go one better on Friday, he raced prominently under Jack Kennedy and produced a challenge at the second last. The son of Yeats was travelling well when leading at the last and quickened clear when asked to score by 13 lengths.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, “He has been knocking on the door, so it is great for him to get off the mark. I picked it up plenty early on him, but he galloped all the way to the line.”

The improving son of Yeats carries the colours of breeder Bertie Mannion.