First Group race win on Flat for Elliott

Gordon Elliott saddled his first Group race winner on the Flat as Beckford landed the Gain Railway Stakes at the Curragh.

The Bated Breath colt provided Elliott with two firsts when making a winning debut at this venue as it was not only his first two-year-old winner but also his first winner at the Curragh.

Newtown Anner Stud Farm bought the colt from the 20-strong Nick Bradley Racing Club after that initial success, and he is now 2 from 2 after this Group 2 victory.

Declan McDonogh ’s mount was well-supported on track from 8/1 into 11/2, and found plenty inside the final furlong to beat Verbal Dexterity by a length.

The 6/4 favourite Murillo was a further length and a quarter away in third.

Paddy Power cut Beckford from 50/1 into 25/1 for next year’s 2000 Guineas, while Betfair go just 20/1 (from 66/1). Ladbrokes also go 25/1.

Beckford scores a cosy success in the Railway Stakes at @curraghrace for @gelliott_racing: pic.twitter.com/GX8aQQ6OVA

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 1, 2017

Elliott said, “He's a nice horse. I'm delighted it's all worked out, for the syndicate that bought him in the first place and for Newtown Anner that where good enough to buy him and leave him with me.

“We thought he'd improved a good bit from the last day. I haven't got enough of them to know but we liked what we were seeing. We thought he was working well but we haven't got anything to work him with. He's good, a fair horse.

“He was probably in front plenty soon enough but he's tough and he stays.

“I'm delighted for everyone that he's won, especially the new owners. It's the first horse I've had for them and Maurice Regan's father and mother are here today — it's the first time I've met them.

“When you win you are always good but in fairness Declan is a big part of all these two-year-olds, where we work and what we do, so I'm delighted for him. The Phoenix Stakes is where he'll go now all being well.

“In the summer it's something nice to do. It's a bit of fun and something different but I'm a National Hunt man and you have to remember where your bread and butter is.

“We'll do it again next year but it's not something I'm going to be doing full time. We'll definitely do it a bit more next year but National Hunt is my number one and nothing else matters, only National Hunt racing to me.

“If I had half a dozen nice ones for the Flat that's all I want but jumping is the game and that's all I want to do.”

(GC & AM)