McGarvey doubles up with Kanesh

Jody McGarvey completed a 43/1 double when Kanesh defied top-weight in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase at Ballinrobe.

The Dot Love-trained gelding, whose six previous wins came via the point-to-point field plus a hunter chase at Downpatrick, was prominent throughout.

The 11-year-old gelding and Of The Hook had the race between them inside the final half mile, with Kanesh holding a slight advantage over two out.

The 9/2 chance extended his winning margin close home to two lengths, with All Or Now staying on well a further length and a half back in third.

McGarvey initiated his brace with Daigreen (7/1) in the 2m1f handicap hurdle.

Ciaran Murphy, assistant to trainer Dot Love, said “He deserved that as he'd been knocking on the door. He has become consistent in his last few runs and wasn't always. We'll keep going for another month or so before leaving him off."

Kanesh went close over this 2m7f trip here last month, and is owned by local man Brendan Sweeney.

(TW & AM)