LOOKING BRIGHT FOR IRISH STARS

Karl Hedley reports as jumps challengers pile on the heat across the water

- Karl Hedley

The action over the jumps is really starting to heat up as winter descends and trainers are deciding on which races to aim their stars.

The Festival of Racing at Down Royal always pulls in a decent crowd over the two days and this year was no exception. Gordon Elliott, Henry de Bromhead and Stuart Crawford would end up having a successful meeting to the delight of thousands who passed through the gates at the Maze just outside Lisburn in Co Down.

Gordon Elliott won the opening maiden hurdle for the ninth time in 10 years as The Yellow Clay easily justified favouritism on his debut over flights. A Listed bumper winner, the Bective Stud-owned bay was second when last seen in the Champion Bumper at Punchestown.

With the defection of stable companion Wingmen (due to a stone bruise), the Yeats 5yo went off at the prohibitive odds on what was his first try over this extended trip of two miles and six furlongs.

In a share of the lead with Augusta George the Sam Ewing-ridden market leader gained an outright advantage early on the final circuit and drew clear of his rivals from three out, ultimately easing to a nine length win. The outsider of the field at 125/1, Healdsburg finished second under Liam McKenna, while Garnacho was another five and a half lengths away in third. The easy to back Willie Mullins trained My Lyka ran no sort of race and finished a tailed off last.

Winning trainer Elliott said: "He never came out of a hack. He's a nice horse and I'd say you could bring him back in trip. I'd say anything from two to two and a-half miles is what he really wants. I thought he jumped well in all, in fairness." Well supported in the market, Paddy's Milestone registered his first career success in the following 3m handicap hurdle. With some solid form to his name from last season, the Stuart Crawford-trained 5yo was last seen finishing a far from disgraced 11th of 24 in a similar race at the Punchestown Festival.