16/1 Downpatrick brace for Elliott and Russell

A course winning bumper horse Soldiers Hill brought up a Downpatrick double for Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell in the Randox Health Maiden Hurdle.

In first-time blinkers Soldiers Hill was much too good for the opposition, accounting for Knot On Time (66/1) and Memories Remain (11/1) by six lengths and fifteen lengths. Insane Bolt did the needful for Elliott and Russell half-an-hour before.

“The trip and the fact that he was a course winner were a huge plus,” said Russell.

“He had plenty of experience under his belt and it was great that he put it to use today.

“He tries but the blinkers helped him to travel through the middle part of the race.”

For his part Elliott representative Ian ‘Busty’ Amond said: "He had some good runs last year in some proper maidens.

"Gordon said he just put blinkers on him to sharpen him up a bit, they did the job for him.

"We'll probably have a look and see if there is a novice for him in Galway.

"He travelled well. Davy said they went very quick and he travelled well into the race.

"He obviously likes here, so Galway should be no bother to him. I imagine if there is something for him in Galway that's where he will go next."

(MG & EM)