Downpatrick brace for Elliott as Give Him Time wins at Down venue again

Gordon Elliott doubled up at Downpatrick with Give Him Time (6/1) in the Frank & Brian Fitzsimmons Memorial Handicap Chase.

Jack Kennedy rode the earlier Cullentra House victor, Fancy Foundations and it was Denis O’Regan that was aboard Give Him Time.

This Kalanisi gelding won his first race at the age of nine, here over flights in July when ridden by Davy Russell.

Russell sported Elliott’s own colours then, but Give Him Time has been sold since and O’Regan was in the red and white of the Jolly Racing Syndicate.

Scully’s Dream made a bold bid from the front in this 0 to 109 contest, and he was pressed when making a slight mistake at the last.

The Elliott victor pounced on the run-in, getting there near the finish to win by half a length.

"He jumped well and appreciated a bit nicer ground,” said O’Regan.

"He had plenty of experience - he has been running in England and Ireland.

"It's great for the owners, I think they are relatively new to the yard so it is good for them to get a winner."

The Stewards requested a report from Gordon Elliott, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Give Him Time (GB), placed first, as compared with its most recent run. Camilla Sharples, Authorised Representative for the trainer, stated that on the horses most recent run at Roscommon on the third of August he had been handy but made a bad mistake in the latter stages which knocked the wind out of him and he was subsequently pulled up. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation given.

The Stewards interviewed Mr J.J. O'Neill, rider of Scully's Dream concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found Mr. J. J. O'Neill in breach of Regulation 10.3. (e) the hitting of the horse other than down the shoulder or on the hind quarters, (F) excessive force and (I) time to respond. Having considered Mr. J. J. O'Neills record in this regard the Stewards suspended Mr. J. J. O'Neill for four racedays.

(MG & EM)