Punters got the final day of Leopardstown’s Christmas festival off to a great start when the heavily-backed Glam Gerry hacked up in the two mile five furlong handicap chase.

The win continued trainer Colm Murphy’s great form at the Foxrock venue following up on Big Zeb and Voler La Vedette’s victories.

Brian Hayes was on board the 13/8 favourite (4/1 in the morning) and despite some jumping errors the duo forged clear after two out to win unchallenged by eight lengths from Scavenger Lad (10/1) with Ard Agus Fada (12/1) completing the placings in the 13-runner contest.

“I’m delighted with him. We were a little bit worried as he had been a bit disappointing on his first couple of runs over fences. It took him a while to get the hang of jumping,” Colm Murphy said.

“He was very novicey there again and did well to win despite making a few bad mistakes. Hopefully we can get his jumping ironed out and get another little handicap for him.

“All my horses seem in good order.”

Glam Gerry’s only other success also came at Leopardstown in January when he secured a two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle win.

Michael Graham