Top Bandit brings up across-the-card double for Elliott

Top Bandit readily brought up his hurdle hat-trick in Punchestown to seal an across-the-card double for red-hot Gordon Elliott.

Just 15 minutes earlier in Cork, Iberique Du Seuil justified favouritism in the opener for the trainer who has now enjoyed nine winners over the weekend (seven in Navan yesterday).

The 5/6 favourite tracked Hammersmith in this two mile rated novice hurdle and eased past him rounding the home bend.

He was still on the bridle for Davy Russell as he drew clear at the last. The five-year-old gelding was merely nudged along to coast home by four lengths. Hammersmith had no answers in second at 33/1.

Top Bandit's main market rival, Crowns Major flopped in fourth of the six runners.

Elliott said: “It was a lovely race for him. Davy said he had to go when he did — probably sooner than he wanted to.

“He wouldn’t be one for the real depths of winter so we’ll probably give him a break at some stage and have him back for the spring.

“Yesterday was an unbelievable day and all the horses are fine this morning. I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Top Bandit was trimmed from 40/1 to 33/1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle by Paddy Power.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee