Rothwell doubles Up with Mark

Philip Rothwell completed an 84/1 double when Mark Me Up was produced with a well-timed challenge by Niall Madden to take the Pinnacle Novice Handicap Chase at Wexford.

The eight-year-old Mark Of Esteem gelding was patiently ridden by Madden, sent to the front approaching the last and the 4/1 shot kept on well to beat High Desert by a length and a quarter. Tabhachtach was just a shorthead further away in third, with Moiqen weakening in the closing stages to finish fourth.

The Tinahely trainer was earlier on the mark with 16/1 chance Cheap As Chips and went close to a treble on the card as Beneficial Spirit ran a cracker when runner-up in the featured Veterans Handicap Chase.

Rothwell said, “He’s been knocking on the door, and just found it too hard to jump out of the ground at Navan last time. He’ll continue to mix it in handicaps both over hurdles and fences.

“I’m delighted for Carol Hogan who is the most supportive owner anyone could have. It’s my first winner in her colours, and that pleases me most about this win.”