Ellison dominates County
Cheltenam version now on the agenda
Last Updated: February 11, 2012 5:16pm
Brian Ellison: Saddled one-three in the feature race at Musselburgh
Brian Ellison saddled the first and third in the John Smith's Scottish County Hurdle at Musselburgh as Stormy Weather landed the spoils.
Given a perfect waiting ride by Denis O'Regan, the grey was in receipt of 21lb from Ubi Ace, who appeared to have the race in safe keeping when holding a length advantage at the final flight.
Tim Walford's charge had been up with the pace throughout and went clear at the third last, but O'Regan was at his stalking best on the former Howard Johnson inmate.
He pounced close home to win by a length with his stablemate Don't Pay The Ferryman, who helped set the pace, a further length and a half away.
"That was the order I thought they'd finish in," said Ellison of the 13-2 winner.
"He loves it around here and I think he's a really good horse. That's the only ride you can give him, we knew they'd go a good gallop with Dontpaytheferryman in there. If he gets in, he'll go to the County Hurdle."
Old Friends
O'Regan added: "We always thought a lot of him at Howard's. I remember getting beaten on him at Aintree in a juvenile (hurdle) and we were really disappointed.
"He finished fifth in a Fred Winter though, so the ability has always been there and I was very pleased to get back on him.
"Hopefully there's more to come and he'd be a super ride in the County Hurdle if he gets in and he'll jump a fence I'm sure."
