Crystal Ocean Filly Wins by 14 Lengths on Debut

Highland Crystal (3f Crystal Ocean – Glasgow Allen, by American Post) made a winning start over hurdles at Punchestown yesterday in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Academy Hurdle.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, owned by Robcour, and ridden by Jordan Gainford, the 3-year-old chestnut filly was bred by the Glasgow Allen Partnership. She took a prominent position early, moved into the lead before 3 out, and asserted in the closing stages to win easily by 14 lengths on her first start.

“She was very impressive and put some distance between herself and the second horse,” commented Gordon Elliott’s assistant Lisa O’Neill. “She had done plenty at home; we knew she was forward, and she jumped well, but it’s a nice surprise to see how well she has done it. It was testing enough conditions on her first time, but she’s made a good start and Jordan thinks there’s plenty more left in her.”

Highland Crystal continues a fine run of form for her sire Crystal Ocean who has enjoyed spectacular success with his first crop 4-year-old point-to-pointers.