Wednesday claims chase win in style

Rocky Wednesday was left to come home a facile winner of the Rodney Watson Memorial Beginners Chase at Down Royal this afternoon.

The Gigginstown gelding was having his first outing over fences since November 2012 and put in a fine round of jumping in the two-and-a-half mile contest.

The 11/2 shot claimed long-time leader Colms Dream at the third last fence and appeared in control at the next when Aladdins Cave and Colms Dream both crashed out behind him.

15/8 favourite Blue Bicycle was left a moderate second and made no impression as Rocky Wednesday cruised home, under Davy Condon, for an eased down two-and-three-parts of a length victory.

Trainer Gordon Elliott said:- "Davy gave him a great ride. He's a very good rider. This horse is a bit of a monkey but he got his head in front. On his hurdles form he was entitled to win.

"I rode a few winners for Rodney Watson so it is nice to win this race. He was a gentleman and a great point-to-point man which I was brought up in."

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)