Howard saddles first winner for McManus Winter Escape comfortable got the better of market rival Sympa Des Flos in the Win Big With Tote Beginners Chase. Successful three times in the UK when trained by Alan King, the seven-year-old victor made a bright start on debut for Aidan Howard, finishing second over the course and distance in July. As short as 8/13 in early shows, the son of Robin Des Pres drifted out to a starting price of 5/4, with Sympa Des Flos going off a well-backed 11/10 favourite (from 13/8). The market principals dominated proceedings out on the course, and were first and second throughout. Settled in second by Mark Walsh, Winter Escape improved to lead from five out, and eased clear from the last, going on to record a facile eleven length success. Sympa Des Flos finished second under Paul Townend for Willie Mullins, while Portmore Lough (25/1), returning from over three years off, ran a fine race to take third, another length and three parts back. Howard said afterwards: "That is my first horse for J.P. and he did it very well. He travelled through the race great and did it nicely. "It's a big thanks to Frank (Berry) and Mr McManus and I'm delighted to have a horse for them. I'll leave plans up to the lads. "Jenny Lynch and the lads in the yard have done a fabulous job and deserve the credit as it's all down to them." Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, added: "He has had a few training issues and isn't straightforward but Aidan is doing a good job keeping him sound. Aidan does a good bit of pre-training for us and it is lovely to have a horse like this to win a race for him." STEWARDS REPORT * Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Nikodam (FR), trained by S.J.Mahon, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
