Another for Elliott as Crown takes the opener

The consistent Crown Theatre got off the mark on his fifth start over hurdles as he took the opener at Downpatrick this afternoon, the I.T.B.A. (Northern Region) Maiden Hurdle.

Trained by Gordon Elliott (who was recording his sixth winner of the week) the four-year-old son of King's Theatre was sent off a 9/4 chance after finishing second to Old Castletown on his last start at Tramore.

Settled in mid-division by Paul Carberry he took closer order after the third last and improved into third before two out.

He jumped the second last in a share of the lead and he soon hit the front, stretching clear on the run-in to score easily by four and a half lengths. Fearachain (7/2) ran a fine race to finish second under Danny Mullins for his father Tony while Banker Burke was a further two lengths back in third under Conor Maxwell for John Larkin at 40/1. Alileo was sent off the 5/4 favourite and he finished a disappointing eleven lengths back in fourth under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins.

Paul Carberry said afterwards: "The ground is on the slow side of good. He's going to be a nice chaser."

Owner Anthony O'Sullivan from Newlands Cross, Dublin added: "We were waiting for a little bit of good ground for him. The plan was to drop him out and come late. There's no better man for that than Paul.

"I've a few point-to-pointers with Gordon. Gordon has done a great job with this horse and today was the day. It's my first time at Downpatrick and it's a brilliant spot, even better when you've a winner! I'll be back.

"I'm a big doggy man. The bigger animals are harder to win with! This horse will probably take a break now."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham