Doc doubles up

Gordon Elliott has quite a talent in getting difficult to win with horses to put their heads in front and after achieving plenty with Kells Castle, the Capranny Stables operator has got a great tune out of another grey, The Rocking Dock who made it two on the bounce in the Michael Punch & Partners Handicap Hurdle.

The eight-year-old, equipped with a tongue-tie and cheek-pieces, fought off The Paddy Premium and Oola Lad up the straight to prevail by three lengths and a head. Sixteen-year-old Keith Donoghue was registering his fourth success in the plate.

Elliott said afterwards: "That was his eleventh run for us and he was in the frame every time apart from a day when his saddle slipped. Keith was good on him. The horse will probably now go for another little handicap hurdle."