Kelly off the mark on Milan

Amateur Steven Kelly recorded his first winner 'on the track' when giving Angus Milan a well judged front-running ride in the novice handicap hurdle at Down Royal this afternoon.

The Milan gelding disputed for much of the two-mile event in a tactical four-runner affair.

11/8 favourite Dragon Khan looked a big danger on the long run to the last but Angus Milan responded well for Kelly and stayed on strongly to record a three-and-three-quarter length win.

The gelding, trained by the rider's Uncle Noel, was repeating his success at the course on St Stephen's Day.

Noel Kelly said: "That's definitely his trip. Probably his trip was two-and-a-half last year but he is just better handicapped.

“He could step up to 2m2f or two-and-a-half, he's not short of toe. He'll not run for five weeks now.

"It's very tricky to give a jockey instructions in that type of race. He did a good job as I didn't want it turning into a sprint.

"Stevie is 17 and from Draperstown, Co Derry. He's my brother's son and works full-time for me.

“He rides out every day for me. That's his first winner. He did a lot of pony racing, more in Scotland than Ireland."

Kelly rode one point-to-point winner and had around 20 successes in pony racing.

(Quotes by Michael Graham)