Lizzie Twig makes winning debut in Down Royal nightcap The Gordon Elliott trained Lizzie Twig made a winning racecourse debut when staying on well close home to land the concluding Bluegrass Mare Prepare Mares INH Flat Race at Down Royal. Sent off 4/1 under Josh Halford, the daughter of Poet's Word was held up in the early stages before moving closer to track the leaders at halfway. Disputing over two furlongs out, the mare, who carried Elliott's own colours to success, was engaged in a dour battle with Gortnaclea Castle inside the final furlong before eventually prevailing by one-and-three-quarter lengths. Gordon Elliott said: "We think she's a good filly. "She's a filly that could end up going to Aintree (Grade 2 mares' bumper) now, or one of those black-type race at one of the festivals at home. "She won't jump this year, but we think she is a good filly." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
