Gordon Elliott registered two firsts at the Curragh today, winning with his first two year old runner, Beckford (10/1) who impressively landed the opening Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Maiden under jockey Declan McDonogh and provided the Royal Ascot winning trainer with a first win at the Co Kildare venue.

Carrying the colours of the Nick Bradley Racing Club, the son of Bated Breath quickened smartly in the closing stages before scoring a length and three parts win over Red Persian

Elliott, who was touched off by Willie Mullins in his recent bid to be Irish Champion Jumps Trainer, later stated “that’s my first two-year-old winner and it’s also my first winner at the Curragh.

“I was nervous beforehand as I’d never had a two-year-old winner but all his work was good and Declan had ridden him at home. I’ve three or four two-year-olds that I like and he is one of them.

“There are 20 in the syndicate and they are from Ireland and England.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee