Trainer Gordon Elliott completed an opening races double at Downpatrick today when his Drunken Counsel easily defied top weight to win the Paddy Galbraith Memorial Handicap Hurdle for owner Gigginstown House Stud and jockey Luke Dempsey.

The son of Scorpion improved to lead before three out and from the last readily saw off all challenges, scoring an easy 12 lengths win over It's All An Act

Elliott, on the mark with Landau in the opener, later stated “he's (Drunken Counsel) probably better suited to England and goes to the sales next week- he'll go on any ground.

“Luke gave him a great ride; he's with us now and he'll get plenty of rides.”

Quotes from Michael Graham