Double Ross relished the return to hurdles to score at Cheltenham for Nigel Twiston-Davies

Last updated: 18th November 2012   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Double Ross: Made almost every yard of the running

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Double Ross (14-1) made almost all the running to land the Paddy Power Intermediate Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The six year old had run twice over fences in October but relished the return to the smaller obstacles in the two mile five furlong contest having fallen last time.

Ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies for his father Nigel, the son of Double Trigger was always prominent in a steadily run affair.

The field was soon stretched out as the leaders came down the hill, however, as the testing conditions began to take their toil and, although one or two riders appeared to be travelling kindly, none could get close to the leader.

Twiston-Davies asked his mount for an effort from two furlongs out and quickly opened up an advantage of at least six lengths and the pair never looked like being caught with the well-fancied Close House toiling in pursuit.

David Pipe's charge did keep on for second - eight lengths behind the winner - with Black Benny and San Telm filling the minor places.

Twiston-Davies snr said: "He was always in control - amazing, really.

"He'll go back novice chasing very soon but that was a hell of a consolation. We knew he'd love the ground."