Trainer Dermot McLoughlin completed a double at Down Royal today as his Uptake landed a gamble to win the Hovis Handicap Hurdle under jockey Conor Maxwell.

The nine year old gelding was backed on track from 16/1 in to 10/1 at the off and in the end scored a two and a a half lengths win to provide McLoughlin with his second win, following Dixie Lee rsquo;s success in the second race.

McLoughlin, who sent out Vic’s Canvas to finish third in the 2016 Aintree Grand National, later stated “that was good day at the office and I'm delighted for that horse as he's consistent.

“Conor (Maxwell) said he just loved that ground and kept travelling everywhere he put him. We decided to drop him in and ride him a bit differently and thankfully it worked out.

"He jumped super and just idled a bit when he got to the front but he stays well. He has won on soft ground but he just seems to travel a bit sweeter on that ground."

Quotes from Michael Graham