Farclas gives Elliott a Down Royal double Farclas was very easy to back on his chasing debut at Down Royal but he jumped well and put away the well-backed favourite Cliff House. From odds on in the morning, the former Triumph Hurdle winner drifted out to 2/1 on the off for the beginners' chase. He tracked the 7/4 favourite Cliff House before grabbing the initiative after the second last. Andrew Ring's mount then powered away on the run-in to put four and a quarter lengths on Cliff House. Gordon Elliott said: "He had lost his way on soft ground. He has had a couple of wind operations. On the better ground he jumped well and we'll have plenty of fun with him over the summer." He brought up a double for Elliott who took the preceding race with Count Simon. The Stewards interviewed A. Ring, rider of Farclas (FR), 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 were of the opinion that A. Ring was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (i), in that he used his whip without giving his mount time to respond. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended A. Ring for one race day.
