Promising Son Of Ocovango Gets Off The Mark

Run For Pat (5g Ocovango - Ifyoucouldseemenow, by Saddlers’ Hall) led home a 1-2 for Ocovango in Sunday’s maiden hurdle at Listowel.

Davy Russell rode the Gordon Elliott-trained bay to chase the leader and led approaching the third last. Ridden from the penultimate flight, he stayed on well to beat Battle Of Mirbat (Ocovango) by three and a quarter lengths.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “Run For Pat jumped well and it's great to get a win out of him. Davy thinks he might be better over a fence but he'll stay over hurdles for now.”

Placed on four previous occasions, Run For Pat carries the colours of Mrs Sloan. Bred by Patrick Molloy, he should take well to chasing as a half-brother to Grade 3 winning chaser Ballyward (Flemensfirth) and Irish Grand National Trial winner Ifyoucatchmenow (Westerner).