Chicago Grey© Photo Healy Racing
Chicago Grey sprang a 25/1 shock in the four-runner Red Mills Chase at Navan this afternoon.
The 4/6 favourite Rubi Light bidding for a hat-trick in the race, took them along in the rescheduled two-and-a-half mile Grade 2 contest but cut out quickly when headed turning for home.
Foildubh took over and was tracked through by Hidden Cyclone That rival also found little, however, from the third last.
Unconsidered outsider Chicago Grey threw down his challenge at the second last and edged ahead going to the final fence, under Davy Condon.
The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding kept on well in the closing stages and was always holding Foildubh to record a two-and-a-half length verdict.
Rubi Light was a poor third, 28-lengths back, while Hidden Cyclone was behind when falling at the last.
The winner was the lowest rated of the four runners but his stamina kicked in down the straight as conditions took their toll.
“I thought he'd run well. He's had a wind-op and obviously the Grand National is the plan now,” revealed Elliott.
“The ground was soft and it played into his hands. He'll go straight for the National now and I'd say the wind-op made a big difference to him.”
Boylesports cut the winner from 33/1 into 25/1 for the Aintree showpiece while Ladbrokes go 20/1. Stan James also make the grey a 20/1 chance (from 33's).
Robbie Hennessy, trainer of Rubi Light, said afterwards:- "Andrew (Lynch) said he didn't fell right from an early stage. He seems a bit lame behind, and it could be a muscle injury, but we'll see how he is when he cools down."
Rubi Light was reported by the racecourse vet to be lame post race.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
