Stellar Story sees off stablemates in Florida Pearl

Stellar Story came out on top when facing two stablemates in the Boodles Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Gordon Elliott was the trainer of all three entrants for the Grade Two, with the trio all owned by Gigginstown House Stud and run in variants of their burgundy and white silks.

Last season’s Albert Bartlett winner Stellar Story was the choice of stable jockey Jack Kennedy and the 8-15 favourite, with Search For Glory a 15-8 chance under Sam Ewing and Rainbow Trail at 12-1 under Jody McGarvey.

The horses finished in that order but the victory did not always look assured for Stellar Story and he had to hold off a strong challenge from Search For Glory to prevail by a short head, who if he had jumped the last better may well have got the verdict.

“It was a competitive race and probably neither horse wanted to be in front. They are big, three-mile staying chasers and idle in front,” said Elliott.

“Sam’s lad wasn’t doing much in front and then when Jack got in front he wasn’t doing much either. At one stage they were only going 23 or 24mph.

“It was an exciting finish and all credit has to go to Michael O’Leary for running all three runners in the race.

“Search For Glory had had a run and Stellar Story hadn’t. I’d say if Jack had another go he’d probably sit behind Sam and have one go at him. In fairness both horses had a good school around.

“I’d imagine Stellar Story will run over three miles at Christmas and Search For Glory will probably be going for similar races.”