Michael Graham
Living Next Door pounces in Leopardstown
Living Next Door, near side, comes through to win
© Photo Healy Racing
A patient ride from Denis O'Regan reaped massive dividends as Living Next Door stayed on best to scoop the valuable Grade B Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown.
This win gave trainer Tony Martin, owner John Breslin and jockey O'Regan a double on the day as their Blair Perrone took race two on the card.
The 20/1 chance crept into the race and was going noticeably the best just behind the leaders coming to the last. Foxrock the well-backed 7/2 favourite, had his head in front after that fence, but once O'Regan asked for more from Living Next Door he responded and kept on stoutly to prevail by a length and three parts.
Foxrock in second was a head in front of Vics Canvas (14/1) with The Job Is Right (25/1) two lengths adrift in fourth.
Owner John Breslin said: "It's actually unbelievable. He was a bit unlucky in the Troytown. Fair play to Denis O'Regan he gave him the best ride I''ve seen in a long time. The horse jumps for joy, he's a great horse."
Jockey Denis O'Regan commented: "I'm thrilled with how the day went, it was really unexpected. They went a good gallop early then steadied right up. Tony said to switch him off, pop away and ride him with plenty of confidence.
"I was confident turning in. I was hoping he would keep finding for me. He had a good enough run in the Troytown and was spot on today.
"I felt the ground wasn't as cut up on the stands-side."
Trainer Tony Martin said: "These are the sort of races you like winning. You target them and it's wonderful that it has worked out.
"He gave an exhibition of jumping and never missed one. Every fence he made ground and (Denis) O'Regan gave him the ride of the year as far as I'm concerned. It was copybook stuff from Denis.
"He lacks a bit of oxygen after his races. It has happened before and we just need to get him away (from the parade ring) quickly. He'll be alright.
"We'll have a think about where we go next but he won't be going anywhere for at least a month anyway.
"He had a very hard race in Cheltenham and it took him a long time to get over it."
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Additional reporting by Alan Magee