First double for Donovan as Locked Box lands a gamble Locked Box landed a gamble in the Tom Quinlan Electrical Maiden Hurdle, completing a first career double for conditional rider Philip Donovan. Also landing a gamble when successful in a bumper at Bellewstown in August, the Cormac Farrell-trained six-year-old since finished third on his debut over flights at Gowran. Backed from 12s to 4s this afternoon, the Doug Taylor-owned bay made all and jumped well throughout. Ridden approaching the second last, he found plenty for pressure and eventually came home three and a quarter lengths to the good. Returned at 11/4, Letos filled the runner-up spot under Danny Mullins for his father Tony, while 11/10 favourite Kainsbourg was another five-and-a-half lengths away in third. "I know this lad well, I ride him in most of his work. I'd have been a bit disappointed if he didn't do that today but, they can show you all they want in the morning, they have to come to the track and do it," Donovan commented. "He's funny - he doesn't quite get three miles, he's not quick either at the back of it, so I said to Cormac we would keep it simple. If something wants to go quicker, let them go. He just kept finding up the straight." On his initial win aboard Kiltealy Park, the Co, Offaly pilot added: "I knew nothing really about Paul Nolan's mare only Ken Whelan (agent) said to me at the time if I would do 10 stone and I said yes. He said it would have a chance and I didn't eat too much yesterday!" STEWARDS REPORTS * J.G. Gilligan, rider of Cordal Boy, trained by Darren Collins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled. * D.J Gilligan, rider of Power Of Words, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left from the last. * At the request of the Raceday Stewards, D. King, rider of Welluknow, trained by M.A.Molloy, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was green throughout and passed tired horses late on. * At the request of the Raceday Stewards, S.W. Flanagan, rider of Baroness Orczy, trained by Barry Connell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that he gave his mount a chance early and stayed on one paced. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
