Smiling Eliza wins at Navan

On only her second run for the club, Smiling Eliza produced a brilliant display to win over 1m 2f in the last race of the day at Navan. Declan McDonogh had the ride and he is now the clubs favourite jockey as he has had our only 2 wins this calendar year. He gave her a great ride, keeping her in 3rd or 4th the whole way round before easing her to the front before 2 out and then pushing the button. Thankfully she had another burst of speed in her and sped away from long time leader Rockfish, victor the last day. 2 other horses emerged to chase her down but she kept on gallantly to win at 16/1.

A great day for the lucky few who got to go and it's nice to have another horse along with Scealai Aonair who can get us in the winners enclosure. Personally, my wait goes on for this special moment but there'll be plenty of racing over the summer so hopefully I'm there for at least one win.



Article below from https://www.irishracing.com/news?prid=191908

With favourite Rockfish easy to back and running accordingly the door was left ajar for something else in the Boyne Handicap at Navan.  Smiling Eliza was the one to make the most of her opportunity in the finale at Proudstown Park.

In the silks of the Gordon Elliott Racing Club Declan McDonogh got this daughter of Rock Of Gibraltar home by three parts of a length from strong finisher Baba Boom.

The aformentioned Rockfish had no more to give in the final quarter mile and finished eighth.

"She's pretty uncomplicated. I had a nice lead around and she stuck at it well," said McDonogh.

"When she got there she had one ear up and one ear down so she might improve a little bit for a bit of headgear. I'm not saying she's un-genuine but it might just help her concentrate a bit."

The Stewards interviewed C.D. Hayes, rider of Roses Queen, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. 

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. 

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg. 10. 3.(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and having taken his record into account suspended him for two race days.