Fox shines again on Ardmillan

Ardmillan benefitted from a patient ride by Anthony Fox to land the 2m5f handicap chase at Fairyhouse.

The Golan gelding was following up a victory at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day when part of a piece of racing history as Fox and his twin brother Ger both rode doubles on the same card.

Stuart Crawford 's charge got a 7lb hike for that success but it proved no problem as he made a successful challenge here in the straight.

A narrow advantage at the final fence was maintained on the run-in as the 8/1 chance beat favourite Glen Ode by a length and a quarter, with De Benno just half a length further back in third.

Crawford said, "That was definitely the best he has gone. He was a lot more professional today.

"The last day he hit the front too soon and I told Anthony to ride him with more patience. I thought he gave him a great ride, even better than when he won on him last time.

"Hopefully he keeps improving. He likes the ground and is a good jumper. He appreciates the big tracks with big fences.

"I thought he could maybe be an Ulster National horse. He won a point-to-point at Armagh which has similar ups and downs.

"Hopefully in time he'll develop into a nice staying chaser. If he doesn't do a lot more this season he's won two now. He's still a big frame of a horse and hopefully there is a bit more to come."

Fox said, "He's progressive and coming on in leaps and bounds. He'll probably stay further so there are plenty of options with him.

"I'm riding out full-time for Stuart. He's giving me plenty of opportunities and it's great to be able to repay him with a winner."

(GC & AM)