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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Elliott doubles up through Gortmillish

Thu 13th Jul 2023, 17:29

Gortmillish, near side, comes to challenge Charlie Luciano over the final flightGortmillish, near side, comes to challenge Charlie Luciano over the final flight
© Photo Healy Racing

Gortmillish (9/4) brought up a double for Gordon Elliott when battling home in the rated novice hurdle at Downpatrick.

He was up in trip to an extended two miles five furlongs and was on and off the bridle as 6/4 favourite Charlie Luciano adopted his front-running tactics.

The Sinndar gelding found for pressure, though, and moved up to challenge Charlie Luciano over the last.

Whips were drawn on the front pair on the uphill climb for home and it was Gortmillish who edged ahead in the final 150 yards. He stayed on well to draw a length and three-quarters clear of the favourite.

Elliott said: "He gallops and he is really honest.

"The track was a bit tight for him but he won well.

"I'm delighted with him, he's a grand horse.

"No, he won't go to Perth (over an extended two miles in three days time), he probably wants three miles."

Elliott took the preceding race on the card with Foxfire Glow

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.