Esporao blitzes rivals on chase debut

Esporao made a spectacular start to his chasing career when taking the Horse And Jockey Hotel Beginners Chase under Barry Cash.

The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding, previously winner of a bumper and three hurdles, was sent off an unconsidered 25/1 chance but was sent to the front and soon built up a huge lead.

His 13 rivals never got in a blow and Cash could afford to be a bit cautious in the straight and make sure he negotiated the final two fences safely. Coldstonesober (16/1) edged out Il Fenomeno (3/1) in the closing stages for the minor honours.

Elliott was away at Aintree where he saddled both Goal and Russian War to finish second but Cash reported “It was the plan to be in front but not that far in front!

“Gordon said sit second if something goes faster than you. His horses are so well schooled, he was foot perfect and making ground at his fences. He was very quick over them.”

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy