struck late under a fine ride from
in an Irish-dominated Randox Supporting Prostate Cancer UK Topham Handicap Chase at
.
The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old was a Grade One winner in his pomp but was sent off a 14-1 shot as the professional jockeys got their first look at the famous
course.
Walsh and Gentleman De Mee had to survive a blunder at the second fence, with Paul Nicholls’ Ginny’s Destiny leading the field along in the early stages.
Ginny’s Destiny was joined after Becher’s Brook by Ian Donoghue’s Lisnamult Lad and although the eye was always drawn to Gentleman De Mee travelling well, it was Lisnamult Lad who looked to have the race at his mercy when taking up the running after the last.
However, a loose horse proved tough to avoid for his pilot Jonathan Burke, who had to check his momentum, allowing Walsh to bridge the gap and conjure up maximum effort from his willing partner to strike by three-quarters of a length.
The first five home were all Irish-trained, with Mullins and successful owner JP McManus having
I Am Maximus at the head of the betting for Saturday’s
.
More to follow...