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Elliott man to follow at Down Royal

The Gordon Elliott-trained Noble EndeavorThe Gordon Elliott-trained Noble Endeavor
© Photo Healy Racing

Gordon Elliott has his powerful team in good form at present and can look forward to further success as Down Royal kicks off its two-day meeting on Friday.

The master of Cullentra House has a number of exciting novice chasers to go to war with this term and introduces one of those in the shape of Noble Endeavor in the Porter & Co. Beginners Chase.

The Flemensfirth gelding progressed well over hurdles last term and only went down by a head to Killultagh Vic in a tremendous finish to the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

This two and-a-half-mile event looks a competitive affair with the likes of the Tony Martin-trained pair Marinero and Sarwistan plus Noel Meade's decent mare Bonny Kate also among the eight declared. Cogryhill is another held in high regard by Elliott and the Presenting gelding makes his eagerly-awaited debut over hurdles in the opening Eventsec Maiden Hurdle.

The powerfully built five-year-old has already gained jumping experience winning his only point-to-point start at Corbeagh House, and also won a Navan bumper last season.

He is reported to have schooled well, while Martin may again provide the chief threat with Tipperary third Lord de Beaufai. Tombstone is another likely short-priced contender for the Elliott team in the Killyhevlin Hotel Flat Race.

The son of Robin Des Champs scored at Naas back in January but faces four other winners here, including Listowel victor Chain Gang

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.