McGarvey doubles up as he reduces his claim Jody McGarvey rode out his seven pound claim in style, as he doubled up aboard Count Salazar in the Saltees Islands Handicap Chase (earlier won the third aboard Good Decision). The Derry native recorded his first double at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day and he has now ridden twenty winners, after recording his first victory at Down Royal in February of last year. Count Salazar, who is trained by Eoin Doyle, has been knocking on the door of late and was placed on his last three starts. Sent off the 9/2 joint-favourite, he was prominent throughout in the chasing group, as Jakros attempted to make all. Approaching the last the Noel Meade trained gelding was still in front, however Count Salazar was closing him down. The successful eight-year-old son of Revoque, hit the front at the last and he soon went clear, scoring by seven lengths at the line. Jakros (10/1) made a mistake at final fence but he still plugged on to take second under Davy Condon, while Fourth Class was four and three parts of a length back in third under Andrew Lynch for Henry De Bromhead at 12/1. Ballyhampshire Man was the other joint-favourite but he could only manage a disappointing eighth. Eoin Doyle said afterwards: "That was grand. He had been knocking on the door and he deserved it. "I was worried about the ground beforehand. "I'm not sure where he will go next, he might go back over hurdles at Tramore as he seems to act well around there."
