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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Roche brings up Elliott's Down Royal quad

Tue 26th Dec 2017, 16:26

Gordon ElliottGordon Elliott
© Photo Healy Racing

Jockey Eric Roche enjoyed his first winner on board Cubomania at Down Royal and gave trainer Gordon Elliott a four-timer on the card.

Cubomania, on his first start for Elliott, came with a wet sail on the run-in to hit the front in the final 50 yards of this two mile handicap hurdle.

He duly prevailed by three parts of a length at 9/1. Pound A Stroke who led throughout, finished second at 13/2 with Graineyhill (9/2) and Misty Millie (12/1) completing the placings.

Eric Roche (19) said: "That's my first winner for the boss. I didn't have much luck pony racing, I only had a few rides. My brother (jockey Leigh Roche) showed me the ropes and taught me. Then he got me a job in Gordon's.

"He travelled the whole way around and he came into the straight and I gave him a slap and I could feel a whole new horse underneath me. Then I thought 'gees I could win this!' I'm buzzing so I am."

Elliott also scored with Sutton Manor Minellafordollars and Stooshie

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.