Gainford seals first winner on Miss Gherkin since returning from injury

Jordan Gainford returned to the saddle last weekend after a length back injury and got back among the winners on Miss Gherkin (16/1) at Leopardstown. Clever Currency enjoyed a healthy advantage for the vast majority of this two-mile handicap-hurdle, but his lead was markedly reduced at the penultimate flight.

Miss Gherkin jumped that in fifth and was noted staying on approaching the home bend. She rounded it in an improving third and was produced between horses to lead before the last.

She took over from Clever Currency and Gamigin and forged on well along the run-in to score by two and a-half lengths at 16/1. Clever Currency put in a good shift for second at 14/1 and was a length and a-quarter in front of Gamigin (10/3f).

Gainford said: It’s great to be back first of all. It’s busy in Gordon’s (Elliott) and I’m in Shark’s tomorrow and it’s great to be on the scoresheet.

“I’ve many people to thank. Gavin Egan in RACE and Graham Harrison the fitness coach and also Jennifer (Pugh) and Adrian (McGoldrick). A massive thanks to them all.

“Hopefully I’m getting better every day and we can drive on.

“Peter (Croke, trainer) was confident that she would run well. She’d a promising run on her first run over hurdles in Tramore and things didn’t go right on her last two runs. She was a little bit keen here at Christmas.

“They flew early today and I wanted to take her back. Every time she passed a horse from the second last home she put down her head and tried. She showed a nice attitude.”

Gainford, who is known for his association with Shark Hanlon's Hewick, added: “I sat on him last week and he feels great. I’m back in tomorrow for another sit on him. He’s bouncing at home and fingers crossed I get back on him (in Gold Cup at Cheltenham).

“Hopefully he keeps thriving between now and Cheltenham and the ground is good.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee