Feature Double For Ryan

Sat 2 Jun

Jumps jockey Tom Ryan completed a feature double at Sandown on Saturday claiming both the Australian Steeplechase and Australian Hurdle.

The Irishman produced a dashing front running ride aboard novice fencer Megapixel to win the Australian Steeplechase (3600m) by eight lengths from consistent New Zealand raider Roodyvoo with Grand National placegetter Al Karam a further three and a half lengths away in third.

Ryan, who has been riding in Australia for 18 months, then settled fourth in the Australian Hurdle (3400m) aboard the Robert Smerdon trained Kirribilli Gold before saving ground on the the home turn and taking the mare through to the lead on the inside.

She forged further clear deep in the home straight to score by more than two lengths from Seeking The Silver and Tuscan Fire. "She’s as tough as old boots,” Ryan said of Kirribilli Gold. "Everywhere I asked her (to go), she was there. She’s as tough as nails.

"She jumps like a buck. She’s a super little filly.”

Kirribilli Gold was the second leg of a winning treble for Robert Smerdon, who also prepared Wealthy Lad to win R2 and Westsputhwest to win R5.