Hill leads home Elliott 1-2 in opener

Cogryhill continued the good recent run of trainer Gordon Elliott when landing prohibitive odds in the opening Eventsec Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal.

The Presenting gelding made a lot of the running, and was just shaken up approaching the last by Bryan Cooper to land odds of 2/7.

The Gigginstown-owned gelding kept on well on the run-in to beat stable-companion The Storyteller who made a promising debut but didn't help his chance by stumbling on landing after the last.

Three and a half lengths separated the pair at the line, with 13 lengths further back to Turfmans Daughter in third.

Elliott said, "He's a really big chaser in the making. He could have done with some company as he was on his own and ducking and diving and didn't know what to do."

Cooper commented, "He's a lazy sort. He's a big staying chaser."

(MG & AM)