Stamina proves the key for Foxrock

Foxrock completed a quick double for Barry Connell and his retained rider Danny Mullins when Foxrock stayed on best to land the Dermot Fagan Lifetime Achievement In Racing Beginners Chase.

Indeed the Ted Walsh-trained son of Flemensfirth needed every yard of the extended two miles and five furlongs as he got the better of an exciting finish.

Three horses were in the air together at the final fence as Rye Martini was joined by the staying on Touch The Eden with the well-backed Foxrock challenging in between.

However the 5/4 favourite stayed on well on the run-in to beat Touch The Eden by three quarters of a length, with Rye Martini another length back in third.

Winning owner Barry Connell said, “He’s a real old fashioned three mile chaser, and they were going plenty quick enough for him on that ground. Turning in he had four lengths to make up but at the last he was on their heels. He wants proper winter ground and a trip.

“The obvious race for him is the Grade 1 three-mile race at Leopardstown over Christmas. That was the plan before today and there is no reason to change it. He’s entitled to take his chance.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson