Chipping Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon sang the praises of jockey Richard Johnson after the pair combined to land a Market Rasen double with Shear Rock and Kilfinichen Bay.

Johnson, 16-times runner-up to Tony McCoy for the jockeys’ title, is blazing the trail in a bid to go one better this season now the champion has retired.

And he galvanised Shear Rock (11-10 favourite) after the last flight in a handicap hurdle over an extended two miles and two furlongs to collar Bowie by a neck.

Johnson then produced another terrific ride aboard Kilfinichen Bay (100-30), who was left in third at the last in a handicap hurdle over two miles and seven furlongs by the fall of Get Home Now, before staying on to beat Border Breaker by a length.

Longsdon said: “They were both inspired AP (McCoy)-type rides.

“I hope we can continue to help him just a little bit towards his first jockeys’ title.”

Longsdon also highlighted the part Aidan Coleman has played in the yard’s early second success.

He provided the master of Hull Farm Stables with another winner when making all the running on Ready Token (7-2) in a novices’ handicap chase over an extended three miles and a furlong at Fontwell.