The Yellow Clay showcased his rising potential with an impressive victory in the John Lynch Carpets & Flooring Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan.
The five-year-old, who finished sixth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham earlier this year, made a smooth transition to hurdles with a win at Down Royal last month. Returning as the 8-11 favourite in this Grade Three event, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding didn’t disappoint.
In the two-and-a-half-mile contest, Where’s My Jet, ridden by Paul Townend, led for much of the race, closely tracked by The Yellow Clay and Fleur In The Park. Approaching the final stages, Fleur In The Park appeared to have momentum, but Jack Kennedy had The Yellow Clay poised for a late surge. Despite a minor mistake at the second-last, The Yellow Clay accelerated powerfully, leaving his rivals behind to win by a commanding 10 lengths over Where’s My Jet.
Trainer Gordon Elliott praised the performance:
“He’s a nice horse and has always done everything well at home. I loved the way, when he made a mistake at the second last, Jack squeezed him, and he came right back on the bridle. He has a great attitude and a laid-back way of racing.”
Owned by Noel and Valerie Moran, The Yellow Clay now has its sights set on a bigger stage. Elliott confirmed that a Grade One race is next, saying,
“You’d imagine we would go to the Lawlor’s (of Naas).”
The win further cements The Yellow Clay’s reputation as a promising talent in the novice hurdle division.