Elliott and Gilligan at double with Pied Piper Gordon Elliott and Danny Gilligan doubled up at Down Royal with chasing debutant Pied Piper in the beginners' chase on the card. The 10/11 favourite tracked Wrecking Ball Paul and, despite a mistake five out, readily took over three out. He was less than fluent at the penultimate fence, but eased away to win by 20 lengths from Encanto Bruno (10/3). Assistant trainer Lisa O'Neill said: "On his best day, he is entitled to win that. As Danny said, he had a couple of novicey mistakes but he'll certainly learn from the experience. "It is lovely to get his head in front again. He was a little bit keen in the early stages, but Danny gave him a lovely ride. It is lovely to see him do that. "Exactly (cheekpieces on to focus him on chasing debut)- probably his last couple of runs were a little bit disappointing. it was probably just to dot the 'i's' and cross the 't's', but he has been schooling well at home. I'm sure he will build on that and learn plenty from that jumping today. "Danny seemed to very happy with him. It is his first time over fences and Down Royal is a big jumping test as well for a novice. Hopefully, he will be able to get another couple on the board after that. "Hopefully so (could be graded horse over fences). Obviously, in his past he is a high-class performer in his own right. Hopefully, he can continue to go on and continue to be that in the future in this new discipline once it looks like it has reignited a bit of a spark in him and hopefully it will keep alight." Gilligan and Elliott were also successful with Howdoyalikeherhome in the novice handicap hurdle.
