A Telling weekend for Gordon

THE Storyteller’s narrow victory over Chris’s Dream in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase provided Gordon Elliott with the highlight of another memorable weekend in Down Royal.

The Cullentra trainer saddled eight winners at the two-day meeting and expressed himself satisfied with The Storyteller and also the runs of Delta Work and Presenting Percy.

While Mark Walsh partnered Elliott’s Battleoverdoyen to success in the Grade 2 Lough Construction Chase.

But the most pleasing aspect of Elliott’s weekend must have been the sparkling performances of his novices – notably Envoi Allen, juvenile Quilixios, novice hurdlers Ballyadam and Farouk D’alene and impressive bumper prospect Sir Gerhard.

Meanwhile, British raider With Thanks (2/1 favourite) ran out an emphatic winner of the Group 3 Athasi in Naas yesterday, providing Chris Hayes with the second leg of a double – initiated on debutant Storm Legend.

Saltonstall, ridden by champion apprentice elect Gavin Ryan, landed the listed Glencairn Stakes.

And Colin Keane, set to be champion for the second time, and chief rival Shane Foley were both on the mark ahead of their final day of Irish action of the season, at the Curragh today, before heading for the Breeders Cup.

In Cork, rising star Sean O’keeffe rode out his claim when partnering the John Ryan-trained 40/1 shot Dromore Lad to victory in the €40,000 Paddy Power Cork National.

Ryan was denied a big-race double when his Waitnsee was collared on the run-in by Home By The Lee in the earlier Grade 3 Paddy Power Novice Chase.

And the remarkable

Dreal Deal, raised a total of 50lb for two hurdle wins this autumn, completed a fabulous five-timer when coasting home under Maxine O’sullivan in the Whatoddspaddy Handicap.

GR-EIGHT PERFORMANCE Trainer Gordon Elliott