GALLAGHER BACK IN BIG TIME Jockey Dean Gallagher signalled his return from the wilderness after a drugs ban by lifting the Pertemps Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster on outsider Heidi III today. The Irishman has only been back in action for four weeks following a six-month suspension imposed after he tested positive for cocaine in France. But he showed no sign of rustiness in a tight finish to the biggest jumps race of the season on Town Moor, driving the 20-1 shot Heidi III to a length-and-a-half win over 7-1 chance Inn At The Top. There was another 16 lengths back to King Of The Run (11-2), who just got the better of Gingembre (7-1) for third. Highly-touted Ad Hoc was sent off 100-30 favourite despite falling in both previous outings this term but let down his supporters again and was eventually pulled up. Jamie Goldstein was taken to hospital for X-rays after coming to grief on Bosuns Mate. Reflecting on his victory, an elated Gallagher said: 'I couldn`t have dreamed it better! I can`t tell you how well I feel. 'Even though I was off for six months I kept in the groove and it is nice that all the hard work in the gym has paid off. 'I want to put what happened behind me and wins like this help! 'It`s great that I have got straight back into the swing of things - that is five winners since my comeback and this is a race all jockeys like to come up north and win. 'Last year I rode the favourite Strong Tel for Martin Pipe and fell at the first and I asked the ambulance driver to drive the back way to avoid any irate punters!' Gallagher, 31, paid tribute to those who kept faith with him during his enforced spell on the sidelines, including trainer Paul Webber and retaining owner Paul Green. And Micky Hammond was singing the Irishman`s praises after he had done the trick on Heidi III, who had won three hurdles since his arrival from France. 'He gave him a fine ride,' the trainer said. 'He jumped well, travelled well and Dean gave him a breather at halfway. 'We were only hopeful beforehand but we had been looking at this race since he finished second at Wetherby on Boxing Day as he ran as though he needed this three miles that day. 'Heidi III has a future as he is only a young horse.' Gallagher, winded in a fall on Zaffre Noir in the previous race, had initiated a 62-1 double by driving 2-1 favourite Tikram to a hard-fought win in the opening Brewer Novices` Hurdle. Jungli earned a tilt at the Grand Annual Chase at the Cheltenham Festival by defying top-weight to win the Pertemps Mansion House Handicap Chase. 'He will do anything for you - he is a great horse to have,' said trainer Paul Webber.
