Kierans and Cromwell withdraw Velvet Elvis due to an allergy.
Owner Derek Kierans and trainer Gavin Cromwell made a significant decision this morning by pulling Velvet Elvis out of the Bar One Racing Leinster National Handicap Chase (Listed) due to an allergy concern. However, their entrant Hartur D'arc (4/1) managed to steal the limelight at Naas, triumphing under jockey Sean Flanagan.
Cromwell's success didn't stop there, as he earlier tasted victory in the Grade Three Limerick with Bioluminescence, ridden by Simon Torrens and owned by J P McManus. Hartur D'arc continued the winning streak with a dominant display in his latest outing.
Although the runner-up, Positive Thinker, put up a strong fight, Hartur D'arc proved his mettle by securing his second consecutive victory under Cromwell's tutelage. The horse seemed comfortable throughout the three-mile race, and Cromwell expressed his satisfaction with the performance.
Cromwell commented,
"That was a pleasant surprise. We weren't entirely confident about his stamina, but he delivered when we entered him in this race. Sean gave him a flawless ride, and everything fell into place for him. It's a significant win for us."
Looking ahead, Cromwell hinted at a potential entry for the Irish National, acknowledging the longer distance as a challenge worth considering. Furthermore, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board confirmed the good health of Bronn and Minella Cocooner, both trained by W.P. Mullins, following routine post-race examinations.
K. Callaghan, rider of Bronn, highlighted that the horse struggled to find its rhythm during the race, indicating a disappointing outing for the Mullins-trained entrant.