Elvis leads the way at Cork for Gibney

Trainer Tom Gibney was smartly off the mark for 2021 when the long trip to Cork was rewarded today with a winner.

Darragh O’Keeffe partnered the Gibney-trained Velvet Elvis to victory in a maiden hurdle to follow up on a good run at Fairyhouse last month when second to the Gigginstown-owned Torygraph.

Purchased by trainer John McConnell for owner Derek Kierans for £95,000 last year the now five-year-old was fourth first time out in a Punchestown bumper for Gibney last September and today got off the mark after taking the lead two out.

"He was bought by John (McConnell, for owner Derek Kierans) and there is a certain level of expectation when you shell out the dough and it is nice to get the win," said Gibney who is enjoying a good run of form with his horses at the moment.