Down Royal date for Lieutenant

The JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal next month is the likely next port of call for First Lieutenant after he was beaten on his seasonal reappearance at Punchestown last week.

The Mouse Morris-trained eight-year-old was runner-up in the Down Royal Grade One last year before going on to be placed in the Lexus Chase, the Ryanair Chase and the Punchestown Gold Cup.

First Lieutenant did enjoy his day in the sun when winning the Betfred Bowl at Aintree’s Grand National meeting.