'We'll probably have a party tonight' - Matt Sheppard hits 71 per cent strike-rate with perfect double

Matt Sheppard sealed his best-ever monthly tally with a perfect double when El Vigaro claimed his second win on the bounce in the 2m handicap hurdle.

The length win under son Stan Sheppard followed Oliva Kate's wide-margin success in the preceding mares' novice handicap hurdle and resulted in a staggering 71 per cent strike-rate for the local trainer over the past fortnight. 

Sheppard, who released his book Confessions of a Slow Two-Miler this month, notched his sixth winner of the month to earn his best tally since he began training 30 years ago.

"What a good day that was, wasn't it?" Sheppard said. "A double at your local track ridden by your son is about as good as it gets. 

"Oliva Kate got her act together and I think there's more to be had out of her on soft ground. The ground was probably plenty soft enough for El Vigaro and he didn't do a tap, but he'll never win by very far, which is a good thing.

"This is our best month and it's doing really good for the book sales too, which is great. We'll probably have a little party tonight."

Runaway winner

Keep Running lived up to his name with a tearaway success in the feature 2m handicap chase for Warren Greatrex.

The six-year-old made all on his third start outside novice company under Harry Bannister for an 18-length win over Holly, justifying joint-favourite odds of 2-1. 

Read more:

Iberico Lord follows in the footsteps of Altior and Shishkin to win on chasing debut for Nicky Henderson 

Christmas Hurdle looks 'realistic' for Constitution Hill after minor setback says Nicky Henderson 

Fergal O'Brien admits to getting 'sucked into the hype' around Greatwood Hurdle favourite Dysart Enos as he eyes new target 

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