Highway One O Two bounces back to the relief of Chris Gordon

Thursday: Taunton

Ace Racing Post tipster Paul Kealy had not lost faith in Highway One O Two, but trainer Chris Gordon admitted his had been tested after seeing the six-year-old return to winning ways in the 2m3f handicap hurdle.

The 17-2 chance, Kealy's headline tip on Thursday, had not won since impressing in Kempton's Grade 2 Dovecote Novices' Hurdle, which came in the pre-pandemic days of February last year.

"I'm thrilled, but probably more relieved," Gordon said. "We went over fences last year and it went a little bit belly up, so it's really good to get back on track.

"He lost his way and got very keen after going chasing, and just lost his mind a bit, which can happen with horses.

"He's got his confidence back and it's great to come back with a win. He has tested my faith, but my faith gets tested everyday and by everyone. I'm very fond of him though."

Highway One O Two, who gave the trainer his biggest win in the Dovecote, runs in the colours of Anthony Ward-Thomas.

"Anthony has been a good mate for plenty of years, so it's always lovely to train a winner for him," Gordon added.

Patrick double

It was a good day at the office for jockey Richard Patrick, who won the novice handicap hurdle on Lime Drop before doubling up in the novice handicap chase on Lord Accord.

Lord Accord was completing a fine afternoon for owner Lynne Maclennan, whose Donny Boy was a smooth winner at Newcastle.

Results, replays and analysis

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