William B two from two now for Elliott

Heavy market support for William B (5/4 favourite) proved to be on the mark when the Yeats gelding followed his Downpatrick win from 18 days earlier in the Seamus Mulvaney Crockafotha Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown.

There was a couple of slight stumbles late on here — William B at the last, and the challenging Just Janice at the path on the run-in. Half a length split them at the line.

William B is now two from two since joining Gordon Elliott.

Successful jockey Davy Russell reported: "He jumped better than normal which was a help and Gordon has to take all the credit. He's turned him inside out."

The Stewards interviewed A. McCurtin, rider of Just Janice, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg. 10 3.(f) (frequency) and Reg 10 4. (time to respond) and having taken his clean record into account suspended him for two race days.

P. Townend, rider of Bobarlee trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

A.E. Lynch, rider of Cogryhill trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped poorly.

(AM & EM)