Winning chase debut from Texas Jack

Chasing debutants Texas Jack and Make A Track fought out the finish to the Arkle 50 Years Anniversary Beginners Chase at Naas today with victory going to the first named gelding.

The pair had met twice over hurdles and, with the score 1-1 before today's race, were separated by a just one length today, with Texas Jack (3/1jf), under Paul Carberry, getting the better of things on the run-in.

Afterwards Texas Jack's trainer Noel Meade stated “the run over hurdles had Texas Jack fit for the battle.

“He's a nice horse and is a half brother to Drumconvis and this is more his job than hurdling. He lost his way a bit last year and had a bit of a problem with his back which we couldn't sort out. He was hanging then but isn't doing that this year.

“He's in the Drinmore Chase and might go there but we'll have to see what else I have for that race. I think the further he goes the better he'll be and I hope he turns out to be a good horse for his owner Robert Watson who is a lovely man and a smashing owner to train for.”

The race also featured Teelin Star (3/1jf), a hugely impressive dual point to point winner, but the gelding ran no race and was pulled up having weakened tamely from three out.

Further reporting by Gary Carson