Double delight for Gainford
SATURDAY WAS a red-letter day for young Jordan Gainford from Caim as he rode the first double of his fledging career at the point-topoint meeting in Downpatrick.
The 18-year-old was on board Only the Bold and The Great White, steering the Warren Ewing-trained pair to comfortable victories.
Gainford rode Only the Bold to a ninelength victory in the maiden race for five-yearold geldings. He kicked clear of his rivals in impressive style off the home bend to win with plenty to spare.
He then followed it up with another success riding for the Antrim handler when cruising to an eleven-length triumph on board The Great White in the maiden for six years old plus geldings.
Barry O’Neill also had a winner on the card, as he partnered Eddies Miracle, trained by Fermanagh man David Christie, to success in the Open Lightweight race, finishing one and a quarter lengths ahead of the Rob James-ridden Sizing Solution in a thrilling finish.
At Dungarvan on Sunday, O’Neill and Colin Bowe teamed up to win the five-year-old geldings’ maiden with Erne River.
Having been placed in his two autumn efforts, Erne River made all the running to see off Minella Drama by a length and a half. The son of Califet will now be offered for sale.
It was a good afternoon for Wexford connections, winning the first three races at the Dungarvan meeting.
It was a certainly a special day for Kilmore owner/trainer John Byrne as he saddled his first winner, with newcomer Starvoski, homebred by his mother Patricia, coming home ten lengths clear of Lady KK after disputing the running throughout, with Tiernan Power-Roche from Tomhaggard on board.
Ivan Walker, who trains at Drumderry, Bunclody, sent out Drumderry Ask to win the mares’ maiden race, putting in a fast jump at the last and drawing clear of Peggy Gordon to win by 20 lengths.
Meanwhile, there was further Wexford success at Kilfeacle, as Annie Day, owned by John Redmond, trained by Duncormick handler John Walsh, and ridden by Barry Stone from Cleariestown, was twelve lengths too good for New Money. It was Stone’s first win of the season.
Next weekend the annual Wexford Hunt meet will be staged at Knockmullen, New Ross, with the first race off at 1 p.m.