'A taste of winter' as Gigginstown win with two nice novices Gigginstown House Stud completed a Galway double with two promising novices steered by jockey Sam Ewing in grim conditions as Patter Merchant (9/4) landed the Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate Maiden Hurdle. Championship leader Ewing had earlier won a beginners' chase on Gigginstown's Search For Glory and aboard Leopardstown Christmas bumper winner Patter Merchant, scored readily by 4.5 lengths from I Am Lorenzo. Following his 33rd success this term, Ewing reported “I travelled very well everywhere and his jumping took me there along the back (straight). He travelled very strongly and jumped very well so is exciting. “He is a sharp enough horse and has got that trip (2m4f) today but wouldn't have any problem dropping back either. He is a nice one and we're looking forward to him.” A 'patter merchant' is someone with terrific banter, jokes or charisma and regarding today's atrocious weather conditions, Ewing concluded “the ground is only soft but there is a strong enough wind. It is a taste of winter!”
