Well-backed William wins on debut for Elliott

The well-backed William B took the Molson Coors Handicap Hurdle on his debut for Gordon Elliott.

Previously trained by Eddie Harty, the six-year-old son of Yeats was available at 4/1 last night, but that price was gone this morning, as he opened on-course at 7/4, before going off the clear 11/10 favourite.

Ridden by Davy Russell he improved to lead before two out, and had all his rivals off the bridle before the last.

The Philip Reynolds owned six-year-old was pushed out in the closing stages, going on to score comfortably by five and a half lengths. Concience finished second under Ben Dalton for Des McDonogh at 8/1, while the Shane Ryder trained Lisa's Legacy (10/1) was another nine lengths away in third under JJ Slevin.

Elliott's assistant trainer Ian Amond said afterwards: "That's his first run for us so hopefully he'll be a nice horse for the summer that pays his way.

"He's been working well at home and we were expecting a good run. His form hadn't been great but hopefully he can kick on for the summer.

"He'll be kept on the go for any of those summer tracks. Maybe if he keeps improving he might end up at some of the better ones. We'll keep it simple for the time being. He's a fine horse and hopefully he'll pick up another one or two."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham