Trainer Gordon Elliott and retained stable conditional jockey Jack Kennedy completed a double at Down Royal today when their Westend Star (8/13f) routed his rivals to win the I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle.

The Paul and Clare Rooney owned son of Old Vic was having his second run for Elliott, having joined from Donal McCain in October and today registered an effortless and eased down win over Infrontofthejudge

Kennedy later stated “he's a nice horse and we'll see what he's like when he steps up in class. He has a big stride on him and handles that ground. Trip-wise he could probably step up."

“He was impressive in what wasn't a great race and hopefully he'll keep improving. He'll probably handle better ground."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Michael Graham