First Chase win for Ainama on fourth attempt

The first of three chases to round off the year at Ballinrobe, the P Flannery Plant Hire Group London Chase, went to the 11/10 favourite, Ainama for the father and son team of rider Niall 'Slippers' Madden and trainer Niall 'Boots' Madden.

The now ten time winner was having his fourth start over fences today having finished second to Mossey Joe and St Devote on his first two starts, before finishing fourth to Original Option last time out at Killarney.

Just five went to post for the 2m 6f contest and as they turned for home it was between just three of them as Baizically led both Traffic Article and Ainama.

The three then jump the last virtually together and from there Ainama stayed on best up the stand's rail to score by a length and a quarter from Traffic Article back in second at 2/1.

Baizically finished a further two and a quarter lengths back in third at 12/1 while Ten Fires was a further eight lengths back in last at 9/2. Miss Sarenne the only other runner, fell at the third last when in last place.

Frank Berry, racing manager to winning owner JP McManus, said afterwards: "He is a handy little horse and that win will give him confidence.

"We will tip down the handicap route with him now."