Cristal a nice Bonus for connections

Cristal Bonus landed a quick double for connections when running out an impressive winner of the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Chase at Down Royal. Bog Warrior was sent off the 11/10 favourite in the two-and-a-half mile contest and took up his customary front-running position.

The favourite looked in control three out as Daryl Jacob squeezed Cristal Bonus for an effort.

Paul Nicholls' charge jumped up to challenge at the penultimate fence, however, and the Bog Warrior found disappointingly little for pressure.

Cristal Bonus (7/4 to 2/1), carrying the Robin Geffen colours again after Kauto Stone s victory in the feature, powered clear before the last.

Bog Warrior crashed at the final fence and Jacksons Lady came through to pip Imperial Shabra for the runner-up spot, nine lengths behind the winner.

"That was alright as well!" exclaimed racing manager Charlie Leverton.

"The owner is delighted as you can imagine and it's wonderful to have two horses that you can plan with for the rest of the season. Both have big futures as they are only six.

"Cristal Bonus will stick to two-and-a-half and that opens up the Peterborough, Ascot and Betfair Chases.

"We'll look at France as well and being a French-bred that helps."

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)