Blaze completes another double for Gainford

On just his second day back riding, Jordan Gainford registered another brace, partnering Irish Blaze to victory in the last at Downpatrick, the A J C Group Handicap Chase.

Out of action for four months, Gainford returned to the saddle at Kilbeggan on Friday and was successful aboard Nottodaybobo and Ginnets Girl.

Having earlier guided Paidi's Passion to victory, the Co Wexford native completed a near 48/1 double aboard the easy-to-back (13/2 from 9/4 early) Gordon Elliott-trained victor.

In mid-division early on and much closer in third from four out, the Imperial Monarch seven-year-old did well to avoid Top Line Tommy who came to grief when in front at the last.

Soon ridden, the bay victor ultimately stayed on best up the hill and edged to the front inside the final 100 yards, going on to prevail by a length-and-a-quarter in the colours of the Pony Sopranos Syndicate.

The Philip Rothwell-trained Berliet Express (6/1) was the one just denied, while there was another length-and-a-quarter back to Attitash (9/1) in third.

Sent off the 10/3 favourite, Golden Sandbanks could only manage fourth, while the aforementioned Top Line Tommy, who travelled best in front when coming down at the last, was returned a 5/1 chance.

"He had a good run the last day at Wexford that we were very happy with so thankfully today was our day," Elliott remarked.

"He wasn't always finishing out well, but he finished out strong there."

On Gainford's return, he added: "I am very lucky to have good jockeys so it is a great job (to have him back). Touch wood (he gets a clear run)."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham