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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Gainford seals double with Springfield Lodge

Sun 21st Mar 2021, 18:27

Springfield Lodge puts in a great leap under Jordan GainfordSpringfield Lodge puts in a great leap under Jordan Gainford
© Photo Healy Racing

Jordan Gainford put the cap on a terrific week by riding a double at Downpatrick.

The 7lb claimer steered Springfield Lodge home by half a length in the WKD Handicap Steeplechase for Co Cork trainer Eoghan O'Grady.

The eight-year-old mare was left in the lead four out when Drummullagh Rocky fell and made the best way home.

She battled home to take the honours at 17/2 from Mullaghmurphy Blue (18/1) who ran on well to close at the finish. Crack On Corrie was another couple of lengths behind in third at 17/2.

Gainford said: "Noel (McParlan on Drummullagh Rocky) went a right good gallop and it suited as I was able to sit in behind him.

"Warmed into it great and in fairness to her she battled hard from the back of the last. It was a very, very good run.

"I was very happy the whole way and her jumping was good. She was very, very tough.

"Eoghan filled me with confidence and said the ground should suit. She had a very good run in Clonmel before so hopeful of a good run."

Gainford also won the opener on board Stranger Danger for Denise Foster.

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.