Roi Des Francs stayed on stoutly to land the spoils in the featured Daily Mirror Chase at Down Royal this afternoon.

Gordon Elliott 's charge had kept good company this season and after making no impression in the Bobbyjo Chase last time took a drop in grade in the 3m2f contest.

Conor Brassil, recording a double on the card, had the 6/5 favourite prominent throughout and he was a clear leader going out on the last circuit.

The Gigginstown gelding kept on well in the closing stages to record a seven length victory over Sizing Coal who had led and disputed with him early on.

He said: "He had first-time blinkers. He (Elliott) stuck them on yesterday morning and they seemed to light him up plenty. I knew I had loads underneath me. I thought they would find it hard to get past me.

"I had a couple of rides for Gordon during the summer when one of his conditionals was hurt. I'm after joining the yard now so I'm in there three days a week since last Thursday. It's nice to get a double so early.”

Brassil had partnered a double previously in Roscommon about 10 months ago.

(Quotes by Michael Graham)