Penny Jane brings up Ballybrit double for Elliott

Penny Jane overcame a nightmare passage in the Guinness Handicap chase to give Gordon Elliott a double at Galway.

The 6-1 favourite was stuck in a pocket on the rail after the last and had to be switched out in the final furlong by Denis O'Regan to power home by a length and a half. Gentleman Duke was second at 10/1 with Draycott Place (14/1) and Surf Instructor (8/1) third and fourth respectively.

“We were lucky as the saddle nearly slipped on her. Denis gave her a great ride,” Gordon Elliott said.

“He said she was a little bit fresh early on and doing a little bit too much but she jumped well. It was a nice pot and a nice race to win.

“We'll keep her tipping away and she could probably step up to a two-and-a-half. I think there is a nice race over two-and-a-half in Down Royal and she could go there.”

Regarding the traffic problems turning in he added: “It's a long way up the straight in Galway so you don't mind." Woods Well also scored for Elliott in the extended two mile six chase on the card.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson