CONDITIONAL jockey Alex Harvey registered a quick double when winning back-to-back races at Kilbeggan on Friday evening.

The first leg was achieved in facile fashion as Angelsworknovrtime romped to an 11-length success in Division ll of the Massey Ferguson Johnston Farm Equipment Longford Handicap Hurdle.

Trained by James Fahey, the 9/2 chance came clear from two out in the colours of Heather Heffernan.

“I’m delighted that she’s finally done it, she took her time,” said Fahey.

“I just hope the handicapper doesn’t go mad because on paper it wasn’t the greatest race. It’s job done and I’m just delighted for the filly more than anything, that she got her head in front finally. There is a beginners’ chase for mares in Tramore and she might turn up there.”  

Making all

Harvey was back in the winner’s enclosure just over 35 minutes later, having made all on Jumping Susie to land the Tote Handicap Hurdle.

Trained by John McConnell, the 119 Partnership owned 4/1 joint-favourite beat fellow market leader Smiling Bess by three and three-quarter lengths.

“In fairness to her she’s been very consistent. She’s just learned how to win this year, so that’s good,” said McConnell.

“He gave her a great ride, he stacked them up and just gradually wound it up. She looks like she’ll jump a fence the way she jumps hurdles and she could be even better over fences hopefully.”

DARRAGH O’Keeffe was another rider to complete a brace on the card. The Cork man won the opening Tote Maiden Hurdle on 13/2 chance Grann’s Boy for Harry Rogers. Owned by Nap Racing Syndicate, the four-year-old led after the final flight, going on for a half-length win.

“He wants slow ground and just got away with that I’d say,” said Rogers.

“He’s an honest horse, he’s a fine big horse and will jump a fence in time and he might win a race on the flat again for us. They are good owners, they are with me a long time and they’ve been lucky for me.” 

Doubled up

O’Keeffe also arrived late on the scene when getting the Ross O’Sullivan-trained Favori Logique home in front to win the Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Handicap Chase.

The 9/2 chance came through to lead after the last before going on to win by a length and a half for owner Patrick Anthony Burke.

O’Keeffe said: “We thought there would be plenty of pace, and he was coming back in trip, so Ross said not to force it, let him find his feet and ride him to come home. On the whole he jumped really well and later on in the race he got me in behind the leaders to be competitive.”

Clear Diamond

Former point-to-pointer Hardy Diamond struck on her first start for Gordon Elliott when easily landing the Tom McCormack Memorial Cup Maiden Hurdle.

Sent off 14/1, the mare who carried the colours of the winning trainer, led approaching the last under Danny Gilligan before going clear for an eight-and-a-half-length success.

“She had a few runs in point-to-points and was second on her latest start,” said Gilligan.

“It was kind of a case of seeing what we made of her there today and she’s done it quite well. She’s going to come on plenty fitness wise and mentally she’s going to come on loads. I’m delighted with that.” 

NENAGH trainer Eoin Seymour saddled his first winner when Ixigreczed made all under Philip Donovan to take Division l of the Massey Ferguson Johnston Farm Equipment Longford Handicap Hurdle. The 14/1 chance stayed on well on the run-in to score by a length and a quarter in the colours of Seymour.

“That’s my first winner. My Dad (Tony) used to train years ago and had a good few winners. It’s a hobby for us and my son Billy is doing most of the work with them,” Seymour reported. “I’ve had the license for two years and we have six in at the moment.

We’re delighted with her, we knew she had lots of ability. She likes to be in front and she got an opportunity today when she was let go there and nothing came up to push her too hard. We’ll look for the same again and see how she goes. She was much more relaxed today, she normally gets very wired before races.”

Brilliant Beaufort

Gordon Elliott was another man to strike twice on the evening. Beaufort Scale led at the last under Sam Ewing before going on to take the Hurley Family Maiden Hurdle.

Sent off 5/1, the Crocodile Pockets Syndicate- owned gelding kept on to win by three lengths.

“He didn’t put a foot wrong anywhere today, he jumped brilliant. We went a really good gallop and when I asked him he picked up, and did it well at the line”, said Ewing.

Strong stayer

Aliunde stayed on strongly from the back of the last to win the concluding MJS Building & Development Handicap Chase for Mark McNiff and Phillip Enright. A well supported 8/1 chance, the Tread Softly Syndicate-owned gelding had two and a quarter lengths in hand at the line.

“He didn’t relax the last day and probably didn’t have enough cover,” said McNiff. “Phillip was exceptional, it’s as good a bit of riding as you’ll see.

“He gave the rail away nowhere and found room where there was no room. He smuggled him into the race and the horse won without knowing it. He’ll probably stay chasing for now. He’ll probably go to Downpatrick in a couple of weeks.”