American Mike and Jamie Codd© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott completed a four-timer and registered his seventh winner of the two-day fixture at Down Royal when 4/7 favourite American Mike easily landed the Lisburn Bowl (Pro/Am) Flat Race.
The Mahler gelding, a point-to-point winner at Cork in April, chased the leader For The Cause until cruising past that one over two furlongs out. He quickly went clear and wasn't at all hard pressed to account for Royal Romeo (5/1) by seven lengths.
Winning rider Jamie Codd, who was narrowly defeated in the big race on Galvin said: "Noel and Valerie (Moran) have invested in Gordon's and he came from a good academy in Sean Doyle's.
"He won his point-to-point really well and his work at home had been really, really good.
"Gordon aims his nicer horses here and he's nice.
"There is (a big engine) and he's only four and he's going to improve. That's what you are looking for, you are looking for the next stars. Fingers crossed he can be another one for Noel and Valerie."
Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said: "I think he is a nice horse. Jamie, who doesn't say too much, was full of praise. He's definitely one for the future.
"We thought he was showing us the right signs in his work during the week. We have a lot of nice horses coming through and we are looking for the next champion.
"He might not just have the speed Sir Gerhard (last year's winner) had but he's a proper horse and I'd imagine we would go to Navan next for a graded bumper."
On Delta Work (fourth) and Galvin (runner-up) in the Grade One Ladbrokes Champion Chase, Elliott added: "I thought Delta Work ran very well. Everybody knows he is a bit rusty first time out. We might take the hood off him next day but very happy with the way he ran.
"Galvin, what a little horse. He ran his heart out but all credit to the winner, he was very good.
"I don't think Jamie (Codd) did anything wrong on Galvin. He gave him a wonderful ride.
"I'm not sure if Davy (Russell) will ride tomorrow in Cork but I'd say he won't be long out."
On Grade 2 winner Envoi Allen he said: "I thought he was very good. Listen it's hard watching it but I made a mistake and I am going to pay dearly for it but I'm very proud of the horse. I'm delighted for Rachael and Henry and the owners Cheveley Park.
"I'll keep my head up and try and find the next one."
Paddy Power made American Mike 9/1 from 12/1 for the Champion Bumper.
Quotes from Michael Graham
