Gordon Elliott has long plundered winners in the north and it continued on St Stephen's Day with a brace in Down Royal.

Even-money favourite The Storyteller was easy to back in the extended two mile three maiden hurdle but his supporters had few worries as he cruised home.

Once he grabbed the lead at the second last, the others were racing for second place. The five-year-old gelding put nine lengths on runner-up Tamlough Boy (4/1).

Each-way punters got a dividend from third-placed Elusive Theatre (6/1).

Winning jockey Keith Donoghue said: "He was entitled to do it, he travelled very well and jumped brilliantly. He had the experience.

"Gordon was very confident and we thought he was the banker of the day. I'd say he'll definitely step up and turn into a nice horse."

Elliott's second winner on the card came courtesy of Broken Soul in the bumper.

Broken Soul had been placed in five of his seven outings before today but made no mistake as he galloped on strongly in the final furlong to win by four and a half lengths.

Jockey Jamie Codd said of the 5/2 joint favourite: "The addition of the tongue tie helped. He probably hasn't been seeing out his races but with the tongue tie he did and we are delighted."