Two in a row for Rothwell's Weihnachts

The 2/1 favourite Weihnachts took the Download The BoyleSports App Careys Cottage Cup Novice Handicap Chase with a little bit to spare in the hands of Simon Torrens.

The Beat Hollow gelding, up 10lbs in the ratings having won at Fairyhouse last month, came to the fore along with The Chapel Field (4/1) after the third-last and went away on the run-in to readily account for that one by three lengths. The latter just held onto the runner-up berth by a nose from Montagne D’Argent (6/1).

Winning trainer Philip Rothwell remarked of the J.P.McManus-owned winner: “That horse is not the easiest ride and is better ridden patiently. I thought Simon gave him a really, really good ride.

“I think winning the last day has given him a bit of confidence and he’s come forward from it.

“Confidence is a big thing for horses and I’m really thrilled to have another winner in those colours.

“We’ll see what the weather does now. If it starts to dry out in a few weeks he could even get an early summer. I’ll see what the lads want to do.”

Quotes from Alan Magee