King Leon and Jody McGarvey© Photo Healy Racing
King Leon bounced back to form to claim the Captain Christy Rated Novice Chase under a positive ride from Jody McGarvey.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained gelding was pulled up when well backed for a handicap chase at Downpatrick on his last start but returned lame after losing a shoe.
The 8/1 shot jumped into the lead four from home today and stayed on well in the closing stages to see off the challenge of Jansboy by a length-and-a-half.
The winner is owned by JP McManus who also had the 11/8 favourite in the race, Gallant Tipp who finished back in fourth.
Racing manager Frank Berry said afterwards:-
"He twisted a shoe and was a bit lame following his run at Downpatrick but Jody got some great jumps out of him today and he handled the ground well.
"He might run again as long as the ground isn't bottomless. I was surprised he beat the other horse (Gallant Tipp)."
(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)
