Elliott shining bright with Star Maker

Star Maker continued Gordon Elliott's blistering form this week with victory in the opening maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.

The 10/3 chance took closer order after the penultimate flight and progressed to lead after clearing the last.

He kept on well under Davy Russell to score by four and a quarter lengths. Kellyiscool the 4/7 favourite, could make no impression in second. Koroleva was another three and a half lengths away in third at 9/2.

Michael Sheehan, one of the six members of the Thomond Racing Syndicate, said: "We ran him last week and he made a mistake early on but he ran well enough. Gordon (Elliott) said he is fit enough and we'll go again today.

"Davy (Russell) said the horse acted on the (quick) ground. He crept into the race lovely. It was pleasant as I thought he would be second to the favourite.

"We had a winner here about two years ago in a maiden hurdle and we like Downpatrick. I came up from Dublin. I'm from Limerick where most of the syndicate are from."