Gordon Elliott on brink of new milestone after Gallyhill strikes on opening day

Monday: Down Royal

Gordon Elliott is on the brink of recording his 2,000th career winner in Britain and Ireland after Gallyhill made it number 1,999 in the beginners' chase on the opening day of the new jumps season.

The son of Getaway had to be brave under Conor Orr, who stepped in for Sam Ewing, who had been stood down, and the 100-30 favourite saw it out well to the line, fending off the challenge of Sholsang to score by half a length.

Elliott said: “He’s a fine big galloping horse, I'm delighted with his performance. He’s a chaser in the making and a nice one to have going forward.”

Chinx Of Light shines bright

There was little debate about the performance of the day, which belonged to John McConnell’s Chinx Of Light in the 3m hurdle. The Shantou gelding showed a striking turn of foot between the third-last and penultimate flight, before clattering the latter and nearly unshipping Simon Torrens. But the rider regained his composure on the six-year-old and popped the last to record an impressive 11-length success.

“My heart was in my mouth when he hit the second-last,” McConnell said. “I don’t think he ever went as fast to a hurdle in his life.

“He's a funny sort of a horse, he's very quiet in the stable yard and still has a lot to develop mentally in his races. He showed a lot of ability there, the way he quickened from the third-last to the second-last was very impressive. We’ll put him away now and perhaps bring him back over fences. He could be smart."

Ryan's Arc launches new season

John Ryan had the honour of saddling the first winner of the new season, with 25-1 shot Gaelic Arc showing a good return to form to land the opening maiden hurdle gamely under Niall Prendergast.

Prendergast had to be patient on the Arcadio gelding, but he produced him with a perfectly timed challenge to score by a length and half.

“He’s a funny horse, quite difficult to train, and a horse you wouldn't have a punt on,” Ryan said. “He's going to be a lovely horse over a fence. The ground today probably suited him and was key. Niall gave him a cracking ride and he'll go over fences now."

Drumbaragh makes it look easy

You may not see an easier winner than Pat Martin’s Drumbaragh, who stormed to a 12-length success in the 2m½f handicap hurdle under Irish National winning jockey Paddy O’Hanlon.

The 28-1 shot was left in glorious isolation at the fifth flight and took advantage of her soft lead to land her first success.

Martin said: “In one way it’s a shock but in another way I’m not surprised as she showed us ability at home. Her biggest problem was she didn’t know how to relax, but my son Jack has done a brilliant job on her and we said we’d try to grab the bull by the horns and be handy with her today. It certainly paid off.”

Results and analysis

If you want more of Monday's reports:

Revitalised Slate House delivers 'special' first winner for Joe Tizzard

Buckaroo gallops into the Irish Guineas picture with impressive Tetrarch success

'I had to keep him' - Tanmawwy delivers for new owner and in-form Charlie Hills

'That was better than Cachet, wasn't it?' - Ronnie continues Highclere heroics

Icing on the cake for owner as Get It provides him with a birthday winner

Tom Clover eyes Super Sprint bid after debut success for Rogue Spirit

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday