Gainford judges it to perfection in Tactical Affair

Jordan Gainford got the fractions just right when making all the running aboard Tactical Affair to win the opening Racing TV Black Friday Offer - Join For Just 12 Euros PM For An Entire Year Maiden Hurdle at Cork.

The Gordan Elliott trained gelding was making his debut over hurdles having showed promise on his two starts in bumper company prior to today.

Sent straight to the front from flag fall, the No Risk It All four-year-old was challenged by race favourite Enola on the run to the third last but found extra for pressure and soon had that horses measure.

Quickening a couple of lengths clear after two out, Tactical Affair had to dig deep from the back of the last flight as the Henry De Bromhead trained Picture Of You closed with every stride. At the line, the 5-2 winner only had a short head in hand.

Winning jockey Jordan Gainford said: "He is a lovely horse and hopefully will come on a lot from that. He had to lead so maybe he didn't learn as much as we wanted to and he had a good look at the last. It was great for him to get his head in front though.

"His bumper form was good but he is a fine big horse who is only a baby and is only coming into himself."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.