Outlander back on top as Duke disappoints

Outlander upset the big names in the Jnwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal today when running out a game winner of the Grade One event for Jack Kennedy and Gordon Elliott.

The Gigginstown gelding gave Kennedy his first ever top grade success when landing the Lexus at Leopardstown last Christmas.

His form tailed off after that, however, and he was sent to post a 16/1 shot for today's contest having finished well behind on his return at Punchestown last month.

Kennedy had his mount hot on the heels of front-runner Sub Lieutenant throughout and he disputed with Zabana after the long-time leader made a slight error five from home.

Outlander hit the front going to the second last but was soon joined by Road To Respect and the pair had a terrific battle going to the final fence.

The duo were wide apart on the run-in and Outlander just found a bit more coming to the post to record a half length success.

It's a 1-2 for Gigginstown as Outlander takes the @jnwine Champion Chase at @Downroyal: pic.twitter.com/WkC7G1RMCM

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 4, 2017

Our Duke sent off the 5/6 favourite, proved a major disappointment. Jessica Harrington's charge never travelled under Robbie Power and was very sticky over his fences.

He was in trouble a long way from home and eventually trailed in last of the seven finishers.

“He was back to himself today. He was very disappointing in Punchestown the last day. I know it was his first run of the season but he never jumped a fence or anything,” said Kennedy.

“Emily McMahon had him out hunting last week and she done a good job with him as he's back to himself thank god.

“He never missed a beat the whole way today and he jumped brilliant. The cheek-pieces seemed to help as he travelled great. I'm delighted.

“We were spread out across the track and maybe if we had been a bit closer he might have even pulled clear. He was very tough.

“It's great. He's one of my favourite and I definitely won't forget him anyway.”

Noel Meade was "delighted and disappointed" with the run of Road To Respect:-

“I was delighted and very disappointed as well. We came hoping we'd win and you're obviously disappointed when you don't win.

“He did everything but win, he just got touched off. He leaned a bit left, which is a problem, and going right-handed he just does it.

“Having said that we were happy and hopefully he comes home safe. The winner is a real Grade 1 horse and has won three Grade 1s now. He's a proper horse.

“He'll have an entry in the Durkan, I'm sure, but there are a lot of other horses to be taken into consideration.

“I would like hopefully to wait until Christmas because he does run well fresh.”

Sean Flanagan, who rode the runner-up, said:- "When I passed the post I thought I was unlucky but when I watched it again I think I was just beaten fair and square.

"That's why I was so frustrated after passing the post because I was cantering going to the second last. I thought I had the measure of the winner. It was just disappointing that I didn't go on and win.

"He jumped left at the last and drifted across the track a bit but I think the best horse won the race in the end.

"He (Outlander) was struggling when I was travelling going to the second last but he has dug deep and the two of us have quickened from the back of the second last to the line."