Imagine scores on chasing debut at Fairyhouse

Gordon Elliott's Imagine looks set to go on to bigger and better things judged on a successful start to his career over fences in the opening race at Fairyhouse on Tuesday.

The Punchestown bumper winner won only one of his six hurdling starts last season, but was placed in Graded and Listed company and was not beaten far when fifth in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

He faced a far from straightforward task in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase, with Paul Nolan’s Albert Bartlett third Sandor Clegane and the talented Inothewayurthinkin from Gavin Cromwell’s yard both in opposition.

Jack Kennedy sent 9-4 favourite Imagine into the lead from the off, though, and some accurate jumping kept the pressure on his rivals in behind.

After seeing off his long-time pursuer Sandor Clegane, who can be expected to go back up in trip next time, Inothewayurthinkin charged home from an uncompromising position after the final fence, but Imagine was well on top as he passed the post with two and a half lengths in hand.

Of the winner, Elliott said: "It was a good performance, I was happy with him. I thought there would be plenty of improvement in him.

"Jack said he had a good blow going to the second-last. He jumped well and he’s not a bad horse.

"We might look at something like the Craddockstown at Punchestown. I’d say there is improvement in him.

"He ran to a good level last year and he can go up a bit in trip."

Absolute Notions wins the Fairyhouse Membership 2024 Hurdle with ease in the hands of Danny Gilligan for trainer Gordon Elliott @DannyGilligan8 | @Fairyhouse pic.twitter.com/bjAoBkDfaU

Elliott doubled up with the Robcour-owned Absolute Notions, who landed odds of 1-12 under 5lb