Gainford reflects on first Irish Grade 1 success Jockey Jordan Gainford has reflected on his St Stephen's Day Grade 1 success on Gerri Colombe for his employer Gordon Elliott, describing his first domestic top-level win on the unbeaten Robcour-owned gelding as 'unbelievable'. Gainford made the most of his opportunity at Limerick on Monday as Gerri Colombe stretched his unbeat record to six when beating Adamantly Chosen by four and a quarter lengths. "It was unbelievable. He is a nice horse who has done nothing wrong and to do what he did on St Stephen's Day was great. I'm very lucky to be in the yard and to get these opportunities. There are many lads in Gordon's so it is great to get the opportunity and thankfully it worked," Gainford told broadcaster Dave Keena. “These Grade 1s are not easily won and I spoke to Jack (Kennedy) about him and he said to keep it straightforward on him. “I was in Colin Bowe's when Gerri Colombe was there and he was always a nice horse. He is big with long ears and is very relaxed and straightforward. I was in Colin's for a few years where all the lads were good to me and then I went to Gordon's. When I walked in there two years ago he gave me opportunities I never thought I'd get and he is very good to all his staff.” Regarding his Bet365 Gold Cup, Galway Plate and American Grade 1 treble success on the Shark Hanlon-trained Hewick, he added “we had two great days before going to Listowel and PJ (McDonald) could have been mad at me for what happened at Listowel and then he showed faith in me by letting me ride him in America. “It wasn't a cheap thing to do to go to American but he took his chance and it worked out wonders. It was the story of a lifetime and thankfully I was involved in it. I remember riding him in a handicap chase at Killarney and he has stepped forward a lot since then. “I've had some savage days on Hewick but to ride Gerri Colombe to win the Grade 1 for my boss was very special and I got a little bit emotional crossing the line. He had given me every opportunity since I went in there two years ago so to win the race was brilliant.”
