Croke Park made an impressive start to his steeplechase career, claiming victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse. The six-year-old, a £400,000 purchase by trainer Gordon Elliott for Gigginstown House Stud after his promising point-to-point career, delivered on expectations under jockey Jack Kennedy as the 2-5 favourite.
After mixed fortunes in his novice hurdling campaign, including a debut win and a Grade Three Monkfield Novice Hurdle victory, Croke Park faced setbacks, finishing last in the Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle and pulling up in the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree. His switch to fences this season marked a new chapter, and he led the small field of four with generally strong jumping to hold off Willie Mullins’ Iris Emery by three-quarters of a length.
Elliott was pleased with the performance, noting, “Jack said he was only doing what he had to do; he was very idle in front, but there is a lot of improvement in him. It’s a nice starting point.” With ease in the ground on his side, a possible return to Fairyhouse for the Drinmore Chase is on the horizon. “We’ll see how he is and where he fits into the division, as we have plenty of horses in that area,” Elliott added.