Difference defies the years
The unique turns and obstacles might not be to everybody’s taste, but they certainly appeal to the Enda Bolger-trained 12-year-old, who won all three events staged here last season.
Sent off the 13-8 favourite, he started the new campaign as he did the last when scoring by two and a half lengths from Lord Jack under regular pilot JT McNamara.
“I am so proud of him and absolutely delighted,” said Bolger.
“The plan will be to come back here in December and then for the cross-country race at the Festival - just like last year.
“You take nothing for granted in racing but he is a grand old guy who looks after himself and he seems to be thriving on the hype.
“He might be rising 13 but he just comes alive here and JT gave him a brilliant ride too.”
Having raced off level weights here, Lord Jack - who has an official chasing mark 9lb lower than the winner - should have a decent chance of reversing the form when the pair line up for the next cross-country race, a handicap.
“If the handicapper does his job then we’ll be getting plenty of weight,” said trainer Nicky Richards.
