The Listener was a winner at Down Royal.
MITCHELL SAVOURS DREAM DOUBLE
By Keith Hamer, Press Association Sport
Nick Mitchell Profile
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Nick Mitchell still cannot quite believe he notched up a big-race double on Saturday.
The Listener's all-the-way win the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal and Ellerslie George's success in the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton gave the Dorchester trainer a day to remember.
"It was unbelievable. Even this morning it's not quite registering," said Mitchell.
"Guy Henderson, the owner of Ellerslie George, rang up and asked if it did actually happen and I said it did as it's in the newspapers."
Mitchell reports his two stable stars to be in top form following their well-documented exploits.
"The Listener got back this morning at half past eight and looks really good.
"Those conditions are the key to him. I don't know another horse that can handle horrible ground like he does and his jumping was impeccable.
"That is a lot to do with the ground when it's easy underfoot. He's never had the best feet in the world and when there's ease in the ground like that, he really does enjoy himself.
"It will be the plan to go back for the John Durkan at Punchestown next month. He's won it before and he nearly won it again last year.
"It will be a hotter race by the look of it. He's a Grade One chaser so he'll keep going in those races."
In contrast, Ellerslie George may well be given a holiday after his victory in the hands of the owner's son, 7lb-claiming amateur Robbie Henderson.
"He too is as bright as a button. I was proud of Robbie. He carried out my instructions to a tee and slightly stole it a bit," Mitchell went on.
"The plan was to use his jumping and the fact he had the lightest weight in the end. We wanted to make that tell.
"We'll see what the handicapper does to him, but we might give him a little break now. I've got to talk to the owner but there's a possibility of bringing him back early spring. He does like decent ground.
"He's done his early season job and done what he was bought for 10 times over. We can't believe the position we are in now. We never thought we would win a Listed handicap with him."
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