Paddy Cleary rides first winner on promising Elliott first-timer Split one wasn't good for many punters with a 20/1 surprise and there wasn't much respite for the majority in the Ballygowan Maiden Hurdle (DIV II) at Down Royal. Fairbanks (evens into 4/6) couldn't resist Timeless Treaty at the business end, with the pair clear as Paddy Cleary booted home his first winner. Gordon Elliott's Timeless Treaty began his career in lovely style in this two mile one furlong heat, and it wasn't completely unexpected in some quarters either, as he was backed down from 14/1 into a starting price of 15/2. Very useful Flat racer Fairbanks should be a good marker, so the likelihood is Timeless Treaty is smart. Three parts of a length split them at the line, with Noticebox all of thirteen lengths back in third. Elliott's other runner Coyote Spirit (6/4 out to 11/4) faded into sixth, with the pace setter headed three out and having no more to offer from the next. Assistant trainer Lisa O'Neill said: "He gave him a lovely ride. "He's a fine, big horse - lovely to look at. He jumped well and it was obviously his first time out, so really nice. "He's by Harzand and he's well-bred. He did everything right today which was lovely. Hopefully, he is going to have a nice future ahead of him for the owners. "Paddy is in Gordon's there every morning, he has been there for a good few years. It is lovely for him to get these opportunities in these 15 winners or less races - they are brilliant opportunities for young lads to get going and build a bit of momentum." Cleary is from Tyrrelstown in Dublin and his family are from Wexford. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Coyote Spirit, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. (MG & EM)
