Cullentra shines at Down Royal again as Gordon Elliott seals four-timer

After getting their slice of misfortune out of the way in the first, Gordon Elliott enjoyed a successful first leg of a big two days when Creadan Grace, Casheldale Lad, Romeo Coolio and Skerry Hill combined for a 41-1 four-timer.

The trainer often takes the wraps off some of his big guns at this meeting and everything seemed to be going to script in the opening 2m6½f maiden hurdle when Jack Kennedy took control on the 1-3 favourite Theflyingking approaching the last, only for him to slip on landing and hamper stablemate Kazansky to such an extent that he unseated Sam Ewing.

Both horses hit the dreaded 1.01 in-running on the Betfair exchange before exiting and the Henry de Bromhead-trained Some Song took full advantage under Darragh O'Keeffe to come through and win by 18 lengths at odds of 7-2.

• Chaotic finish sees two horses beaten after hitting in-running low of 1.01 - with winner matched at 1000 

"We were fortunate winners, obviously, but he's a nice horse," said de Bromhead. "Darragh said he just got a bit tired after he jumped the third-last and they just quickened away from him a bit. 

"I'm delighted for his owner Michael Roden as it's his first winner. He's one of the owners of the racecourse. The plan was to find a horse who could hopefully win up here one day, not necessarily the first time we tried!"

It did not take Elliott long to get off the mark, however, as James Smith was seen to excellent effect on Creadan Grace in the 3m½f handicap hurdle.

The 12-1 shot was one of the less-exposed types in the field having had just six starts prior and Smith needed all his might to get her up by a short head over Fill The Tank.

Casheldale Lad landed the Listed 2m1f hurdle in as comfortable a fashion as his 1-4 odds suggested as Jack Kennedy guided him to a seven-length victory over just two rivals, with the field reduced after Kennedy's original mount The Yellow Clay was withdrawn due to a skin allergy and Bacchanalian due to the change in going. 

Since being acquired by Bective Stud after a Punchestown maiden win two years ago, the five-year-old has excelled over jumps to land three of his last four starts, with an excellent third-placed finish in the Galway Hurdle his only loss since April. 

Casheldale Lad jumps clear of his two rivals to deliver at 1-4Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

It was a fifth success in a row in this Listed contest for Cullentra, who also scored with Brighterdaysahead, Irish Point and Zanahiyr in recent years. Bar Casheldale Lad's tendency to lean right when jumping, it was a straightforward success and the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham next month is under consideration.

Romeo Coolio continued a fine afternoon for Elliott after last season's Grade 1-winning novice hurdler showed off his athleticism on his chase debut with a smart display in the 2m4f beginners' chase.

There were just the seven fences to jump due to the low sun but that was to the detriment of the winner, who produced agile leaps whenever required before coasting 14 lengths clear of Koktail Divin, justifying 4-6 favouritism.

"It couldn't have been more straightforward," said Elliott. "Jack said he's one of those horses that you'd love if the last three fences were in. We're absolutely delighted. We'll probably head for the Drinmore now."

A fabulous afternoon for Cullentra was rounded off by 4-7 favourite Skerry Hill, who powered clear by three and a quarter lengths from Hopeful Hero on his debut in the 2m1f bumper.

Full Of Life and Darragh O'Keeffe after winning the Grade 3 Feathard Lady Mares' Novice HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Full Of Life springs clear

De Bromhead secured a double in the feature Grade 3 Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle when O'Keeffe produced a spectacular front-running display on 9-1 shot Full Of Life, who beat even-money favourite Carrigmoornaspruce by a length and a quarter.

The six-year-old landed a Tramore maiden hurdle over a longer trip in August and raced over fences the last twice, but the decision to drop back in distance and revert to hurdles proved inspired.

"Fair play to owner Roger Kissane as he suggested this," said de Bromhead. "Darragh gave her some spin, she's brilliant to jump and she's exciting. I'd say we just got the trip wrong previously but we'll stay hurdling for this season and she'll be a nice novice chaser next season."

Read more:

'This has hit the weighing room the hardest that I can remember' - riders and racegoers hold minute's silence in memory of Tommie Jakes 

Chaotic finish sees two horses beaten after hitting in-running low of 1.01 - with winner matched at 1000 

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