Ben dictates matters in the feature

Andrew Lynch’s decision to make the running paid handsome dividends as Lord Ben put up a fine front-running performance to land the featured Kevin Broderick Memorial Handicap Chase.

Similar tactics were employed by Lynch when successful over fences last year at Thurles and Tramore but this was a big step up after showing little on his reappearance at Killarney last month.

The 8/1 chance had his rivals stretched when kicking clear early in the straight, and kept on well to score by a comfortable three and a half lengths.

The 2/1 favourite Hospital just got up on the line to pip the gambled-on False Economy (7/1-9/2) for second spot.

Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said, “He got tired over 2m6f at Killarney, and this looked ideal for him. Andrew said there would be no pace so he lobbed away in front.

“Everything fell right for him on the day.”