Elliott & Kennedy take the first up north Downpatrick’s opener was the T-Met Maiden Hurdle over two and a quarter miles and it saw Lygon Lad (10/3) put his experience to good use under Jack Kennedy. The six-year-old was having his eleventh start over flights and collared longtime leader Baila Conmigo on the run-in to score by a length from the staying-on Little Ginger. Sent off even-money favourite, World As One got only as far as the first where he was brought down after Lisnadill jammed on and fell in front of him. Lisa O'Neill, assistant to winning trainer Gordon Elliott, said: "It was a dramatic start, but he was in a lovely position. "Turning for home, Jack obviously picked off the horse (Baila Conmigo) that was leading him up the hill. We knew he would stay really well. "He had a bit of time off, but he has built on every run so far this season and it is lovely to see him do that because he deserved it. "He had a handicap mark (105), but it was nice to go back and try and win a maiden with him because we were confident he was capable of doing that." Additional reporting by Michael Graham
