JOHNNY Allen is reaping rewards both on the flat and over the jumps, his efforts highlighted none better than on Thursday’s final day at Warrnambool riding a winning double for Ciaron Maher. The Co Cork-born Allen landed the 2,000-metre handicap on the flat aboard Wanna Dance before taking out the feature A$250,000 Grand Annual Steeplechase aboard Regina Coeli.

With 33 fences to negotiate over 5,500 metres on a course that turns both left and right handed over two laps, Allen rode a brilliantly judged race. Near the head of affairs for the duration, Regina Coeli always looked relaxed under Allen and raced accordingly. Asked for an effort with 700 metres and three fences to clear Regina Coeli, a Pure Theatre half-sister to the dual-Grand Annual winner (2010-2011) Al Garhood, gave her all as a line of three hit the last before Regina Coeli edged clear to win by four lengths from the dual-Great Eastern Steeplechase winner Lord Of The Song.