'We are amazed it has come off' - Mark Walford lands a treble to remember

Monday: Hexham

Trainer Mark Walford experienced a day he will never forget following a testing winter as he landed a 31-1 treble on the card.

Into Overdrive kick-started the success as Jamie Hamilton steered the seven-year-old to victory in the 2m4f handicap chase before the jockey added a second on the day when Johnson's Blue landed the opening division of the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

Walford completed his remarkable treble when Ruby Island won the 2m bumper under Jack Garritty.

"The lads and myself in the yard have been talking about this day for about ten days and you come here dreaming about the chance of winning them all," he said.

"We had four, one being a non-runner, with massive chances and we were hoping for it to happen, but we are amazed that it has come off."

Walford added: "We have had a bit of a tough winter with the horses having a virus, but we have a great bunch of owners and everyone has stayed so patient and now we are paying them back.

"The lads work hard, we have a great team and it's like going to work with your friends rather than being with colleagues. It is great to be able to share this with them."

More delight for Drinkwater

Sam Drinkwater continued his best-ever campaign with a 15th win of the season following Cup Of Coffee's success in the opening 2m handicap hurdle.

"It has been a terrific season, if someone said that I would have had 15 winners then I would have taken their hand off," said the trainer. "I planned on trying to get somewhere near double figures, but it has been great."

Results, replays and analysis

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