Eclair De Beaufeu (left) leads as Goulane Chosen and Paloma Blue collide© Photo Healy Racing
There were five in a line going to the final fence as the Matheson Handicap Chase at Leopardstown served up a thrilling finish.
It was Eclair De Beaufeu who emerged in front after the last as Goulane Chosen and Paloma Blue collided in the air.
Sean O'Keeffe drove his mount a couple of lengths clear on the run-in and he galloped on strongly in the closing stages to land the €100,000 contest for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown.
There were two-and-a-half lengths back to Paloma Blue who held the staying on Charlie Stout by a neck to secure the runner-up spot.
The 8/1 winner was making his handicap debut over fences this afternoon having finished third in Grade 3 company at Navan on his last outing.
Elliott said:- “It’s great to get a winner. I knew today was going to be a tough day - we had a few each-way chances.
“He tried Graded company and wasn’t good enough so it’s nice to win a good handicap.
“I’d also like to say a big well done to Olly Murphy who trained his first Grade 1 winner today with Itchy Feet at Sandown. We’re still good friends and I’ll give him a ring later.”
The winner was introduced at 16/1 by Betfair for the Grand Annual.
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
