Double delight for Elliott at Down Royal
Officially rated 120 but disappointing on a number of occasions, Rocky Wednesday finally came good when landing the Sean Graham Bookmakers Maiden in the hands of Robbie McNamara, while Elliott admitted: “On last season’s form, he was entitled to win. He’s a big, lean horse, still quite weak and should improve,” after Lord Redsgirth had made a successful return to action in the INH Stallion Owners Maiden Hurdle.
Lord Redsgirth was the second leg of a double for Co Down amateur Mark O’Hare, initiated when Hidden Present bounced back to winning form in the Adam & Ann Armstrong Memorial Handicap Chase.
Another rider in double form was Noel McParlan, successful in the opening hunters chase on Carsonstown Boy, which pipped Not Before Eight, and might be aimed at the Foxhunters at Cheltenham by trainer Colin McBratney. McParlan completed his double on Mount Colah in the bumper.
Noel Meade won the beginners chase with the Jason McKeown-ridden Gran Torino while John Larkin’s Bay Of Kotor, again ridden by Andrew Thornton, completed a quick hat-trick in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, following-up recent wins at Fairyhouse and Navan.
