Elliott & Codd double up with Julio

Jamie Codd showed once again the strength that helped him gain a first champion amateur title last weekend as Presenting Julio completed a double for the rider and trainer Gordon Elliott in the Pat O’Hare Bookmakers — Follow Us On Facebook Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick.

The nine-year-old gelding won over fences at Tramore last month, and justified good support here reverting to hurdles.

The 6/4 favourite challenged on the outer away from the final flight, and headed Emigrated on the final climb to the line as the pair drew clear of the remainder.

Presenting Julio had a length and a quarter to spare at the line, while there was a gap of nine lengths back to Grey Mountain Mist in third.

Codd and Elliott had earlier teamed up to take the opening maiden hurdle on the card with Westland Row

The stewards were of the view that Codd had used his whip above shoulder height and failed to give his mount time to respond, and so gave him a one day ban.

Elliott said, "He was the one we really fancied coming up. He's owned by Danny Charlesworth from England so it's nice he won again.

"He just likes the good ground. In Fairyhouse he just got bogged down, Fairyhouse did a great job and it was well watered. He ran well and he'll win again hopefully."

(MG & AM)