Mahon McCurtin link-up working out well

The main money in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase was for Jamesmichael (11/2 into 4/1 favourite) and Rock On Barney (8s into 5s) but they had to yield to Double Portrait (5s out to 6s) in the penultimate event at Ballinrobe.

For owner Tom Doran and trainer Steve Mahon Double Portrait tracked the leaders disputing fourth, and he was bumped at the first and made a slight mistake at the second.

The son of Portrait Gallery then took up the running three out and he was soon ridden.

Clear after two out Double Portrait stayed on well on the run-in to score by three and three parts of a length and a length and three parts.

"He's (Ambrose McCurtin) earned his ride on a horse that was a bit awkward and he gave him a peach here one night," said Mahon.

"There were no jockeys rushing to ride him - when you have a lad that's hungry and wanting to do it you let him at it.

"Tom (Doran, owner) wanted to claim off Dorans River at Bellewstown and I told him about Ambrose.

"His five pound claim is obviously a help and he's a real horseman.

"He's been riding most of them there.  I sort of like having my own jockey.  Denis (O'Regan) used to ride them for me - a world class rider - but sometimes I couldn't get him when I wanted him.

"Ambrose comes in and schools horses and everything is working out.  Tom is happy with him.  You'd win races you shouldn't be winning because of that five pound claim."

(EM)