Carlton Jack landed a gamble when taking a decent pot at Haydock under Maurice Linehan
Last Updated: 19/04/14 3:31pm
Maurice Linehan's strength in the saddle and his 5lb claim helped Carlton Jack (9/1) land a late gamble in the £3Million totescoop6 Today Handicap Hurdle at Haydock Park.
The Jonjo O'Neill-trained seven-year-old gained a commanding lead after the final flight, at which Generous Ransom's error-strewn round of jumping from the front finally took its toll.
Carlton Jack was then joined by 5/1 favourite Heath Hunter along the run-in, but the former refused to buckle under intense pressure and was driven out for a length-and-three-quarters verdict.
Linehan said: "The good ground helped him a lot. He doesn't want to be in front too soon. He looked a bit rogueish last time but he really stuck his head out today and got me out of trouble."
The conditional jockey celebrated victory with a punch of the air as he passed and winning post and explained: "I have to make every winner count now as my claim is coming down and I need to show what I can do on these big days.
"Everyone has been so good to me at Jonjo's yard. All of the owners, Jonjo, AP, Guy Upton, John Kavanagh, Richie McLernon, Mick Fitzgerald. I listen to them all and try and take in their advice."