Mount Sion at peak of his powers

Mount Sion timed his challenge to perfection in the two mile five handicap chase at Roscommon to land the spoils under Niall Madden.

From jumping the second last in mid-division, the seven-year-old gelding responded to Madden’s urgings as the pair made relentless headway to actually dispute the lead at the last.

A good jump there enabled Mount Sion (13/2) to keep up the momentum and win by two and a quarter lengths at 13/2.

“He’s in the (Velka) Pardubicka [in the Czech Republic] and the plan is to go there on the 13th October. I might get another run into him at Listowel,” handler Enda Bolger said.

“I was second in the Pardubicka a few years ago with Risk Of Thunder and Doctor Pat was fifth in it last year. We are so well looked after there. Zest For Life could go for the race.

“This horse stays well. Across the bottom I thought he’d be third of fourth but the further he goes the better.” Carmels Boy (16/1) and Close Review (12/1) were second and third respectively, beaten two and a quarter lengths and the same again.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson