Front running Roley jumps his way to victory

Roley put in an excellent front running display, fending off all challengers, to win the Connaught Beginners Chase for his trainer Andy Lynch with seven pound claimer Tim Carroll aboard.

The 8yo son of Tragic Role disappointed on his last start at Kilbeggan, having run a good race to finish just thirteen lengths fourth to Harold's Cross on his start before that at Down Royal.

Sent off at 16/1 today, he made all and jumped brilliantly throughout and although tiring close home, he did enough to record a deserve length and three parts win over Give Us A Hand (10/1) back in second. Prince Of Milan at 25/1 ran a nice race four lengths back in third on his chasing debut while the 6/4 favourite, For The Staff disappointed and was eventually pulled up. He was hampered by the fall of Amie Magnificent at the fifth last but was struggling at the time.

Winning trainer Andy Lynch said afterwards: "That was the plan. We used front running tactics before and he was caught close home and he wasn't as fit that day as he was today.

"He didn't handle the track last time out at Kilbeggan, so we said we'd go for a flat track.

"I don't know what we will do with him now."

Donal Murphy