The 1/2 favourite Romeo Magico owned and trained by Emmet Mullins, was a facile winner of the Bluegrass Mare Prepare Hunters Chase, prominent throughout and jumping well en route to beating Neo King by 11 lengths.

Winning rider Dara McGill said: "He was in his comfort zone the whole way, he was jumping brilliantly. He's brilliant to jump.

"When we came to the top of the hill, I kept waiting for as long as I could.

"The ground is starting to dry up on the chase course and he bounces off that nicer ground. He's a nice one for the spring festivals hopefully.

"Emmet talked about it (Aintree), so maybe that is the plan."

Quotes from Michael Graham