Fontwell: 'It's a huge tonic for him' - Gordon owner celebrates first double

My Ticketyboo and Coolvalla secured a “special” first double for owner Les Gilbert, a longstanding supporter of Chris Gordon.

Gilbert owned Gordon’s first runner, Sovereign Spirit, at this track in 2007 and despite ill health, he was able to cheer home his first double from a hospitality box at the West Sussex course.

Gilbert’s double was initiated by My Ticketyboo, poignantly named after a saying of the owner’s late wife Jan, in the 2m5½f handicap hurdle before Coolvalla took his record over fences to 4-4 in the 3m3½f handicap chase.

Gordon said: “Les isn’t very well and on oxygen 24 hours a day so it’s a huge tonic for him to be here and have his first double.

“I’m so delighted for him. He’s a wonderful man and been with me since the very start – it’s special.”

The winners – ridden by Rex Dingle – were among Gordon’s first runners for three weeks and the Morestead trainer hopes his string have turned a corner.

Gordon said: “They were a bit snotty over December and I gave them a flu jab so we’ve had sickly horses and a quiet time. It’s great to come back with a double and these horses have done Les proud.

“Coolvalla has a National Hunt Chase entry and we might be tempted if it’s bottomless, although that’s highly unlikely. The Sussex and Southern National are obvious races for next season.”

Stan strikes

Devon trainer Ella Pickard celebrated a third winner from 11 runners this season when Stans The Man landed the 2m3f maiden hurdle under James Best.

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