Winter provides Howard with biggest success to date

Aidan Howard recorded the biggest success of his training career to date, as Winter Escape ran out a ready winner of the Grade 3 Paddy Power Celebrating 30 Years Irish EBF Novice Chase.

Previously trained by Alan King, and second on his debut for Howard at Galway in July, the son of Robin Des Pres made the breakthrough over fences on his next outing at Ballybrit.

Sent off an easy to back 7/2 chance this afternoon (from 2s), the seven-year-old bay raced in mid-division under Mark Walsh, and was fourth with a circuit to race.

He came through to dispute the lead at the third last, and hit the front before the final fence, staying on well from there to score by six lengths. Clara Sorrento (11/1) ran a fine race to take second under Sean Flanagan for Noel Meade, while High Nellie (33/1) was thirteen lengths back in third.

Both Robin Des Foret (backed from 5/4 into 9/10 favouritism on-course) and Moonlight Escape fell independently three out, while Young Turk who was beaten in third at the time, crashed out at the last.

Howard said afterwards: "He travelled very well and was even a little bit fresh in Mark's hands.

"He got to the front a little bit early but he did it well.

"I'm delighted to have him. He does everything very easy at home and haven't anything to work with him at the minute.

"The Drinmore could be a plan but I'm going to leave it up to the lads. Trip-wise, Mark said he wouldn't have any trouble coming back to two miles as he is a very very quick horse."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes