Gainford completes double as O’hEochagain wins again Sopelana caused a 40/1 upset in Punchestown’s Matchbook Betting Podcast 3-Y-O Hurdle today, providing jockey Jordan Gainford with a double and TV presenter Hector O’hEochagain with another syndicate-success. Previously a winner at Ballinrobe in September, Sopelana was beaten 36 lengths on her most recent start at Down Royal just 12 days ago, so was one of two outsiders for today’s competitive contest. Held up behind the leaders, Sopelana improved to dispute the lead on the inner entering the home straight and led on the run-in to score by a length from I’ll Be Handy . Energetic O’hEochagain, whose dual-winner Traverse was the star of a popular 2003 six-part ownership-documentary, was amongst the Tallys Bar Syndicate and trainer Collins commented “Sopelana loves the heavy ground but disappointed in Down Royal the last day. The strong gallop probably didn’t suit her whereas she got a chance early-on today and Jordan gave her a great ride. She finished out the race well. “She was very lowly rated on the Flat so I didn’t expect her to win two three-year-old hurdles. We may now go for a black type race in England on soft ground.” Jockey Gainford had earlier steered Highland Crystal to win for trainer Gordon Elliott. Quotes from Alan Magee
