Stooshie brings up Elliott's northern treble

Stooshie battled his way to a neck victory in The Silks Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal to give trainer Gordon Elliott a treble on the card.

The four-year-old gelding held a slight advantage at the last and kept on well for pressure under Jamie Codd to see off 9/4 favourite Judgement Day by a neck.

The winner was returned at 7/2. Another 7/2 chance, Roseriver Has came in third a further 13 lengths adrift.

Stooshie's joint owner John F Doyle, from Kildare, said: "Gordon reckoned he would be there or thereabouts. He toughed it out very well and put his head down. Jamie (Codd) said he ran a great race and got a lovely run and jumped superbly. It's nice to get a winner every now and then."

Elliott's other winners were Sutton Manor and Minellafordollars

This was a double for Jamie Codd who was also on Sutton Manor in the opening contest.