Lieutenant strikes on chase debut

First Lieutenant recorded a cosy success when making a winning debut over fences in the Like A Butterfly Novice Chase at Tipperary.

Davy Russell got a nice lead from Imperial Shabra before sending his mount to the front turning into the straight in the Grade 3 contest. Slieveardagh tried to throw down a challenge and although the 4/7 got in close at the last he never looked in danger.

Mouse Morris' charge hand plenty in the tank as he recorded a length-and-three-parts success.

The Gigginstown-owned Presenting gelding claimed the Neptune Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham last year and looks an exciting prospect over fences.

"I'm relieved and very satisfied. He got a bit tired but that's to be expected against race fit horses," said Morris.

"He could do no more. He's jumped well and he's got a brain. I want to get some experience into him but I've no real plans.

"Hopefully he's ok in the morning and we'll take it from there."

Russell added:- "He did it well. He'll learn a lot from the experience and I'd say he'd prefer a bigger track."

It was a double on the card for Russell, who had also taken the another Grade 3 on the card when Tavern Times ran out an easy winner of the novice hurdle.

Gary Carson