Gordon Elliott ends 23-year hoodoo in West Yorkshire Hurdle for Irish trainers with Beacon Edge

It was not just at Down Royal where Gordon Elliott made his presence felt. He may have been sending out plenty of winners on home turf but he also became the first Irish trainer to land the West Yorkshire Hurdle for 23 years.

Beacon Edge had finished fifth under second top weight in a handicap at Cheltenham just a week ago and was stepping up to Grade 2 company in a contest run this year as the bet365 Hurdle.

But the 9-4 shot was always to the fore and came home a two-and-a-half-length winner under Danny Gilligan.

"He's a lovely, genuine horse," the jockey said. "He runs his race every time and I couldn't have been more happy with the way he did it there.

"All the nice horses are starting back. Gordon had a good day yesterday, he had winners on the board already today and massive thanks to him for giving me the chances, I can't thank him enough.

"Small-runner fields can get quite tactical, we picked it up turning into the straight and I didn't want to be too far away because I knew my lad stays. He's done it well."

Newcastle here we come

A potential rival to Constitution Hill emerged from the Listed bet365 Mares' Hurdle — and it was not last season's Champion Hurdle third Luccia.

The 4-9 favourite was pulled up after a mistake two out as Take No Chances galloped to a ten-length success in a two-mile race Dan Skelton won with Molly Ollys Wishes in 2021 and 2022.

"We dropped back in trip like we did with Molly Ollys Wishes and she's a similar type of horse," the trainer said. "She has a fabulous attitude and jumps very slickly.

"I'm going to be adventurous and put her in the Fighting Fifth, just in case Constitution Hill frightens everybody off. There's a few quid on offer and she'll be getting weight."

Take No Chances: Could now take on Constitution HillCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"We won't be beating Constitution Hill but we might turn up for a few pennies on offer. She's improving and when mares get confidence they do even more for you," added the trainer, who also took the 2m handicap hurdle with Williethebuilder.

Jockey James Bowen said of Luccia: "She's fine. She just made a mess of two out, but she was beaten at the time."

Worth waiting for

Irish point-to-point winner Roadlesstravelled did not run for 17 months after being bought for £215,000 in May last year, but he was clearly worth waiting for.

He won by four and three-quarter lengths on his hurdling debut at Market Rasen in October and followed up by exactly the same margin under a 6lb penalty in the 2m novice hurdle.

Joint-trainer Jonjo O'Neill said: "He's a nice horse, a good looker, and he's done everything right. The owners have been very patient, giving him a chance to develop, and I hope he's paying them back.

"We'll have to throw him in at the deep end now but there's plenty around for him."

The O'Neills doubled up with Itso Fury in the concluding 3m handicap chase.

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