Londofficecallin battles to bring up Roche's brace

Leigh Roche doubled up at Down Royal on Londofficecallin (9/2) in the extended mile and a-half handicap.

This continued a London theme after Tower Of London won the Ulster Derby on the card.

He won a protracted battle with market-mover Stoke The Fire (5/4f) in the final two furlongs to win by three-quarters of a length for trainer Eric McNamara.

Roche said: "Gutsy, very gutsy. We jumped and went a good gallop the whole way.

"Solid throughout the whole race, travelled away.

"I saw Colin (Keane) come down the outside on one of Willie's (Mullins, Stoke The Fire) and I said 'they won't stop too quick!'

"In fairness to him, he is very gutsy and genuine. He really dug deep for me now.

"I was (in trouble) even from five out. I was just able to get down inside Nathan (Crosse on Striking otherwise I wouldn't have been able to pick up and go.

"He had every opportunity to lie down if he wanted to and he dug deep. He was game for me.

"He (handicapper) is going to give him five, six or seven pounds and that is probably what he deserves. Hopefully, if he keeps in that grade, he can get another one.

"I'm lucky enough I am in with Noel Meade one day a week and Mr Weld's two days a week. Chris Hayes has been getting me to ride work for plenty of people. Eddie Harty has been good to me as well." Londonofficecallin was last seen winning a handicap hurdle in Punchestown by 16 lengths just under a fortnight ago.

Roche also took the opener aboard Dutch Gold for Noel Meade.