Elliott doubles up as Russell and Kennedy out of luck on their return

Gordon Elliott left Downpatrick, one of his happiest hunting grounds, with a double to take his tally to three winners since his return this week from a six-month suspension.

Davy Russell and Jack Kennedy returned from injury at the meeting but failed to get on the scoresheet, with Jordan Gainford steering Hurricane Georgie to victory in the 2m2f beginners chase and Jamie Codd scoring on Top Bandit in the bumper.

Russell finished second to Hurricane Georgie on stablemate The Abbey after filling the same spot on The Greek in the 2m3f maiden hurdle.

Elliott said: "The weight kicked in with The Abbey coming up the hill. He ran well but Hurricane Georgie was getting a lot of weight and it told.

"Jordan gave her a nice ride – she had solid form over hurdles and this race was made for her as she was getting all the allowances.

"Top Bandit is a grand horse to go hurdling with now. We couldn't believe it's taken him this long to win a bumper.

"It's been a great day. I love this place. I have been coming to Downpatrick since I was 14 or 15 years old – they are great people up here and treat us brilliantly."

Russell, who fractured his C6 and C7 vertebrae and dislocated his T1 in the Munster National almost a year ago, said: "It's fantastic to be back. I've had a lot of success here and I enjoy coming – the crowd are very good to me."

Kennedy finished fourth in the 2m3f handicap hurdle aboard Saeer then third on Chesterville in the 2m7½f handicap chase. Both riders are in action at Navan on Saturday.

Results, replays and analysis

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