The Aidan Fitzgerald-trained Elle Est Grand finished second on her only start to date in the five-year-old mares’ maiden at Ballyragget in March. One of just two newcomers in the field, this five-year-old cut out much of the running, jumping well throughout in the hands of Richie Deegan. The debutant sill held every chance jumping the penultimate obstacle, only giving way to the more experienced Rose Of Aghaboe in the closing stages. From a staying family, this likable sort lost little in defeat here and the daughter of Jeremy could be a progressive sort for new connections in the future.