First Lieutenant successful on his chasing debut at Tipperary a fortnight ago, suffered a surprise defeat when going down by the minimum margin of a nose to De Valira in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase.
The 4/6 favourite was left in front after pace-setter Stephanie Kate fell three out along with Ordinary Man
However Mouse Morris' Cheltenham Festival winner was stalked by De Valira (11/2), with the latter meeting the last on a perfect stride to strike the front and keeping on gamely under a powerful Ruby Walsh drive to just hold on.
Winning trainer James Morrissey said, “The owner Donal Mac A'Bhaird is from Glanmire and it's great to have a winner at his local track. It's a shame that Paul Townend, who normally rides him, couldn't be on today but he had to go to Naas. Ruby felt he got there a bit too soon and to be honest I thought we were beaten.
“He could came back here in three weeks for another novice race but that was his Gold Cup today and I'm delighted.”
Davy Russell felt the leader falling three out didn't help First Lieutenant saying, “The one in front falling left me in front a bit too long.”
Alan Magee
