Elliott's treble rounds off a memorable year at Downpatrick

When Gordon Elliott completed a double on the day, it meant rather fittingly that he had saddled his 13th winner of the year at Downpatrick on Friday the 13th. As it was, he went on to complete a fine 20-1 treble on the day to put a flourish on a leading trainer award at the track for 2017 which was already in the bag.

The most impressive success was registered by the imposing Monkshood in the 2m6f maiden hurdle. Not seen since winning a heavy ground bumper at Fairyhouse in February, the son of Stowaway made all, jumped well and stretched clear in pleasing style from the last to win by a comfortable three lengths from Whispering Affair.

Given his size and scope, the five-year-old firmly fits the bill of a horse that will prosper over fences in due course.