Samui takes to the Flat for Elliott and McDonogh

Samui a 126-rated hurdler, made a winning debut on the Flat in the 1m2f maiden at Down Royal.

He was far from swiftly away, but soon tracked and came through to dispute the lead a quarter of a mile from home.

The 7/4 favourite took over approaching the final furlong and asserted in the closing stages to come in by three and a-quarter lengths. Free Flow (7/2) finished second for James Barrett and Luke McAteer.

Jockey Declan McDonogh said: "He wouldn't go in and he wouldn't come out!

"We didn't go quick in the first quarter and I was able to just get to the outside and mosey up in my own time without using any horse. He stays and he actually won well at the line.

"If he gets a nice mark, they might get a handicap into him. He might be a fun horse around Galway, but he would need to jump a bit quicker.

"Gordon (Elliott) and I go back a long way and he has always been very loyal to me and supported me throughout my days when he even started training for the first year. He never forgets me and I'm appreciative of that."