Elliott on a Roll as Cinammon wins again at Downpatrick Trainer Gordon Elliott continued his fine recent run of form as course bumper winner Cinammon Roll made a winning debut over flights in the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick. A former point-to-point winner, the No Risk At All gelding easily landed his bumper by 15 lengths at this track last month. Leading in the early stages here, jockey Carl Millar was content to sit second from halfway as Never Present took over in front under Dylan Kidd. However, the latter came under pressure after jumping two out, surrendering the advantage jumping the last as Cinammon Roll regained the lead. Ridden to assert climbing the hill, the 7/4f kept on well to hold the late run of Full Confession by two-and-three-quarter lengths. Assistant trainer Lisa O'Neill said: "He has shown a liking for this track in the past, winning his bumper here. "He always looked like a horse that would develop and progress over obstacles as well. "He showed a really good attitude today, I loved the way he gallops and sticks his head down and gallops honestly all the way to the line. It was a lovely performance by him, a nice starting point for him here back at a track he is proven at. "Hopefully he can go on and build on it. It is great for his owners, it is lovely to have a nice horse for them and I think he is a nice prospect over the summer months, but he has proved himself on softer ground conditions too." On these opportunity races, she added: "There's so many lads in the weight room and in Gordon's as well that are well capable that have ability and it is about getting that one opportunity to prove yourself. "These races, and this initiative, are vital for young guys coming along, but also for guys who have had a stop-start season with injury and things like that. I know when you get injury it is hard to get back going and pick up the rides you might have lost. "It is an invaluable fragment within our season." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
