Gerrard back from sabbatical with a bang

Jockey John Gerrard savoured his victory upon Fassbender in the extended two mile five handicap hurdle at Downpatrick.

The jockey revealed he has been on a long sabbatical until a recent return at Roscommon.

John Gerrard said: "I was in England and didn't really like it. I came back to Sligo and started a cleaning business seven or eight years ago and kept building it up slowly. I have four fellas working for me.

"I've been riding out for Mark McNiff the last couple of years and I decided to go at it this year, I'm 31. It was 12 years since I last rode in a race. I had my first ride back in Roscommon last Monday.

"I previously had 2 winners on the Flat, and one over jumps for Tim Vaughan. I was based with Dessie Hughes before I went over to Tim Vaughan. I was over there for about eight or nine months.

"I'm back riding two lots in the morning before work and I ride five on a Saturday. Mark was telling me for the last year or two to go back and take out the amateur licence as he said I'm riding better than ever. I said this year if I don't do it, I'll never do it.

"It was unbelievable, some feeling!"

In the race itself, Fassbender improved from the rear to sixth at the final flight. That wasn't the end of his progress, however, as he stormed up the hill to lead close home.

The 11/2 chance prevailed by a length and a half from 3/1 joint favourite Townhill Penny Important Message was another two lengths back in third at 15/2.