Brickley quickly off mark in paid ranks

Up And Out shed her maiden tag at the 22nd time of asking to give jockey Finn Brickley his first winner in the paid ranks as the Gordon Elliott stable doubled-up at Downpatrick in the Shortcross Gin Handicap Hurdle.

Favourite Sandyman looked like he might be about to deliver a winning run when getting the last wrong, and Up And Out wasn't long about closing out the deal from then on.

Half-an-hour on from the win of her stable companion Mordor (Sam Ewing), the successful Pride Of Dubai mare saw out the finishing climb well. Mabel In May emerged from the chasing group to do best of the rest, and the margin between the pair at the finish was four and a half lengths.

"It is brilliant, but I have to thank Gordon so much. He has been very good to me and he helped me to turn conditional and get the licence," said Brickley.

"I had a few broken bones last winter and missed out on a lot. He has got me back on track and has been very good to me.

"I had two winners for Nigel Slevin and a couple of point-to-point winners along the way. This is very good to get.

"I had my first ride (as a conditional) on Friday night.

"She has been knocking on the door a long time so I am delighted for the owners.

"She travelled very well and I just kept letting her roll down the hill and enjoy herself. Then kind of ease up going up the hills with her, fill herself up.

"She was brilliant and tough and she jumped like a buck.

"I'm from Cork and don't have a racing background at all. I started riding out in James Dullea's when I was 13 and that is kind of where it all kicked off. He got me up in Gordon's when I was 16/17 and I stayed there since.

"I am riding work there with Jack (Kennedy), Jordan (Gainford) and Sam (Ewing) and I learn so much through those boys.

"I'd be light enough, so I'd be able to claim off bottom weights if I have to."

(MG & EM)