Elliott/Russell double a special one for owner/breeders

Hot-on-the-heels of his cross-country six-timer yesterday, Gordon Elliott completed a Downpatrick brace with Thisonesforollie in the Molson Coors Maiden Hurdle.

Davy Russell shared in the double after riding opening race victor Star Maker and the champion jockey powered the Bertie Mannion and Brendan O'Grady-owned 5/2 favourite Thisonesforollie to a neck success over Whatsyourstatus

Mannion also bred the successful Scorpion mare, backed in from 7/2, and he stated in the aftermath: "She's called after Ollie my brother who died, so it is an emotional time. This one is for Ollie.

"Gordon (Elliott) said she was as good as he could have her and whatever she will do this is it. She put it all in, she was always a tough filly.

"The plan was to win a race and we got there eventually!

"We are from Roscommon (joint owner Brendan O'Grady also in attendance) and Brendan is married to my sister."

Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Jack Wade trained by P.J. Rothwell, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91.

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. W. Fleming, that J.P. O'Sullivan, rider of Jack Wade, had weighed at 1.1lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he had used his big saddle and lead cloth and everything that was in the scales when weighing out was included when weighing in, therefore he was unable to account for any increase in weight. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that J.P. O'Sullivan was in breach of Rule 231 and consequently cautioned him having taken his previous record into consideration.

(MG & EM)