Ellie brings further cheer to Kelly

Northern trainer Noel Kelly trained his first winner in Ireland outside of Sligo racecourse when Banellie kept on well in front to take the Willie Murphy Jewellers Downpatrick Handicap Hurdle.

The Co.Derry handler has previously saddled four winners at Sligo, as well as two winners in England at Carlisle and Newcastle.

Derek Fox sent the seven-year-old son of Beneficial to the front around halfway, and the 6/1 chance kept on really well under pressure to beat Baby's Hot (9/1) by five and a half lengths.

McSwynes Bay (12/1) kept on from off the pace to finish a further length and three quarters away in third in this two miles and seven furlongs event.

Kelly said: “I fancied him as he's been going well at home. He's owned by my mother, and it's the first time that she's been at a track to see one of her's win. He was beaten in a three horse race at Perth last time but they went a crawl and it didn't suit him.

“I hope the handicapper doesn't murder him. He settled better out in front and we'll look for a race at Listowel.”

Alan Magee