Sydney leads home Elliott 1, 2 Gordon Elliott recorded a 1, 2 in the Michael And Teresa Keogh Memorial 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle as his Officer Sydney lead home stable companion Persiflage. The winner, who was making his debut for Elliott, was previously trained in the UK by Brian Meehan. He failed to win on five starts on the level for Meehan and he was bought for 25,000 guineas at Tattersalls last month. Available at 5/1 last night the son of Lawman opened on-course at 9/2 before going off a 10/3 chance in the familiar colours of Paul and Clare Rooney. Settled behind the leaders he raced keenly in the early stages. He took closer order as they approached the straight for the final time and jumped the third last in a share of the lead. He was pushed along after that flight and gained a narrow lead before the last, going on from there to score by a length and three parts under Paul Carberry. Persiflage (16/1) was also making his debut for Elliott and he cost just 4,000 guineas at Tattersalls. The son of Sir Percy ran a fine race in second under Jack Kennedy while Lake Champlain (8/1) was a further three and three parts back in third under Mark Bolger for Jessica Harrington. King Christophe was sent off the 7/4 favourite and he finished a disappointing sixth under Davy Russell for Patrick Prendergast. Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "He's a grand big honest horse. He was a bit novicey early on. "It's Paul and Clare Rooney's first runner in Ireland. They are very big owners in England so it's nice to get a winner for them. "He might go for a juvenile hurdle at Perth in three weeks time." Additional reporting by Gary Carson
