Halford times it to perfection on Ardgillan Josh Halford produced the Martin Lynch trained Ardgillan with a well timed run from off the pace to win the Money Back Daily Specials With Tote.ie Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown. Unplaced in six previous starts, the Ms Fiona Wentges owned gelding was sent off an 18/1 chance to make the breakthrough on his second run in handicap company. Pushed along towards rear after two out, the six-year-old responded to pressure, closing on the leaders on the run to the final flight. Staying on best from the back of the last, the son of Califet led close home to beat Steps In The Sand by half-a-length. The winning rider said: Josh Halford said: "Dad (Michael Halford) actually had him as a bumper horse. We broke him and got him riding, and he showed us the world at home - he's a very good workhorse but didn't do it on the track for some reason. "I think the penny dropped with him today, things worked out for him. I rode him the last day and I thought he needed an up in trip and, to be fair, Martin listened to me and he put a tongue-tie on as well. "It was great for Martin, he did a great job with the horse. To be fair to Fiona (Wentges, owner), she was a big part of dad's yard for a very, very long time and stayed loyal to me, so it was great to do it in her colours. "I was able to stay out of trouble. I said I would drop him three-quarters of the way back and take my time on him and just get him into a rhythm because his jumping is very good. He was a bit sticky early on but, when you need a big one, it is there. He was very good and I didn't panic on him turning in. I didn't want to get there too soon on him but, to be fair, I knew I had plenty of horse to go over the last two, so it was great. "I love it (since turning conditional), I'm doing a lot more riding which is great. I'm getting plenty of opportunities off great trainers and owners and I'm very grateful for every opportunity. Still based with Gordon (Elliott) and he is very good to give me two days off a week which I do with Enda Bolger who I rode plenty of point-to-point winners for. I've started in Noel Meade's on a Saturday which is great." (Quotes by Michael Graham)
