Trainer Gordon Elliott registered an opening races double at Downpatrick today, completing the feat with the Jordan Gainford-partnered Mars Harper (9/4f) in the Randox Health Rated Novice Hurdle.

The daughter of Sulamani raced behind the leaders on the inside, and while briefly caught for room before the final flight, was switched to the outer on the run-in, finishing powerfully to beat Rock On Seamie by two lengths.

Elliott won the opening maiden hurdle with the Jack Kennedy partnered Boothen Boy and following his second winner, his assistant Lisa O'Neill said "Jordan (Gainford) gave him a fantastic ride, he saved plenty of ground going around the rail.

"They seemed to go hard up front and he stayed up the hill really well. He handles it quite well around here and handles soft ground.

“It's great for Pioneer Racing, they have had some good days and hopefully there is more to come. We'll enjoy today and see how he is after it.”

Quotes from Michael Graham