Townend doubles up on Bective Cave

Paul Townend's tactics paid off on Bective Cave in the extended two mile handicap hurdle at Roscommon as he sealed a double on the card.

The 11-year-old gelding was sent into an early lead but he looked vulnerable to the challenging Ashqar at the last.

The pair were locked together on the run-in but Bective Cave rallied to get up by a neck at 9/1 having been as big as 16/1 in the morning.

Ashqar went off at 9/2. Chaparral Dream came in third at 6/1 while 11/4 favourite Iamastartoo completed the placings in fourth.

Trainer Matthew Smith said: “He looked beat and Paul gave him a great ride.

“I said to Pat (Keating) today that if he was going to win again it would be today. He's in good form, the ground suited him and he's won here before.

“He was back down to a mark that he was capable of winning off as well.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson