The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Four-timer for Elliott at Perth
Irish handler enjoys four victories as Lucinda Russell chalks up a home win
Gordon Elliott had a night to remember at Perth when he landed a four-timer at the Scone course.
The Irish trainer, who was saddling his first runners of the year at a venue he has enjoyed success at in the past, got off to a flyer by taking the opener with Youghal By The Sea.
The 4-5 favourite strode clear after the last to win by eight lengths under champion jockey Richard Johnson.
The same partnership combined to send Swingbridge into the winner’s enclosure.
Make My Heart Fly and Right down the middle completed the four timer for the dual-Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning handler.
Milnathort trainer Lucinda Russell had a winner at her home course.
Boy’s On Tour held on well in the run-in under Stephen Mulqueen to beat Between The Waters by one and three quarter lengths in the Meikleour Beech Hedge Handicap.
Today sees a bumper eight-race card with Portrush Ted one of the future stars on parade at Perth’s Golf Perthshire Raceday.
Trained by Warren Greatrex and partnered by Adrian Heskin, he makes his debut over obstacles in the opening Murrayshall Hotel And Golf Courses Novices’ Hurdle.
Maurice Barnes has again booked Paddy Brennan for the ride on Jovial Joey in the Gleneagles Handicap Chase.
The gelding, who had winning form at last year’s Perth Festival, was sent off favourite when third at Cartmel recently, and Barnes said: “He was a bit unlucky not to finish closer as he was in front when making a bad mistake at the last, but Paddy sat tight.
“He won over three miles last April and his mark is slightly lower this time. Hopefully he will run well again.”
Among the opposition to Jovial Joey are Donald McCain’s two-time course scorers Nefyn Bay and the Mick Easterby-trained Rear Admiral, who won over two miles four furlongs at Perth Racecourse’s popular Family Raceday on July 15.
Tabitha Worsley, who broke her back in a fall at Ludlow last November, bids for another Perth success on Go West Young Man in the St Fillans Hidden Gem Handicap Chase.
First race today is at 1.30pm.