Downpatrick double for Gordon Elliott

Trainer Gordon Elliott has certainly hit the ground running with his return to action this week and recorded a double at Downpatrick today.

Added to his winner at Sligo on Wednesday he is now on three winners for the season, more than 40 adrift of

champion trainer Willie Mullins.

While the Summerhill man is unlikely to bridge the gap in terms of prizemoney which ultimately determines the winner of the title, he will, more than likely, close the gap quickly on Mullins in terms of number of winners.

The double today comprised a 2/7 favourite in the last where Top Bandit got off the mark in the bumper with Jamie Codd on board at the expense of the Willie Mullins-trained runner-up.

Elliott also saddled the first two home in the beginners chase with the returning-to-action Davy Russell second as Hurricane Georgie and Jordan Gainford took the spoils.

Also at Downpatrick trainer John McConnell was on the mark when Ally Cay won a novice hurdle.