'I'd hope we can get into double figures before April' - Brooke's run goes on

Monday: Ayr

Burgeoning Middleham trainer Danny Brooke kept his best season rolling by striking with his first runner at Ayr over jumps when Rocco Storm continued his winning spree in the 2m½f handicap chase.

The eight-year-old made it three wins from his last four starts with a five-length success under Conor O'Farrell, who was deputising for the trainer's sidelined brother Henry, who is set to return next week, according to Brooke.

He said: "I'd thought he'd struggle today with the ground, but his jumping kept him in it – it always plays a massive part. It's a shame Henry couldn't ride but Conor is a terrific jockey to call upon.

"He's a great little horse. He was second on his other start this season and it'll be more difficult when he gets in or over the 100 mark ratings-wise, but I think there's another one [win] in him."

Rocco Storm's win made it nine over jumps this season for the trainer, who took over the licence from his mother Julia in 2020 and had a single jumps winner each in the previous two seasons.

He added: "We'd have liked to have got to ten for the season before the end of 2022 but we only have a dozen horses in training. I don't usually like setting myself targets, but I'd hope we can get into double figures before April as it's something I'd like to do."

More Ayr joy for Jacob

Daryl Jacob's brilliant form at Ayr this year continued when El Poppochapo landed th 2m4½f mares' novice hurdle for County Antrim trainer Stuart Crawford, and made it three winners from his last five rides at the track.

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