Chemical Energy fires Elliott and Russell to a double

Chemical Energy returned from a break to make his mark over fences in the Strings & Things Rated Novice Steeplechase at Listowel.

The six-year-old gelding got in tight to a couple of fences but was clearly the best horse in the race as he won by two and a quarter lengths to justify 11/10 favouritism.

Davy Russell kicked him into the lead on the long run between three out and the penultimate fence.

The son of Well Chosen really found his stride as he turned for home and kept up the gallop. He was driven out on the run-in to account for 22/1 runner-up Mattie's Mountain

He had been off since April when coming home fifth on chasing debut at Kilbeggan. He has now won two bumper, a couple of hurdles and a chase.

This gave Gordon Elliott and Russell a double on the card. Russell was also on two of Elliott's three winners in Navan yesterday.

The trainer said: "Davy didn't want it to turn into a sprint, and left him stride on after the third last and, in fairness to him, he galloped on. He said he wanted to put it to bed in case it got too close over the last two."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes