Aranhill Chief springs a shock in Connacht National

Positively ridden by Luke Dempsey, the Steve Mahon-trained AranhillChief proved a shock winner of the featured thetote.com Connacht National in Roscommon last night.

The 16/1 shot was prominent throughout, edged past Bishops Road at the third last fence and stayed on bravely to keep favourite Abolitionist at bay by a length. The eight-year-old was an appropriate winner as he’s trained in County Galway by Mahon, who explained: “He’s the first horse I’ve fancied for a while. I ran him here the last night, even when the ground changed, but that might have made the difference tonight.

“He’s a tough little horse and Luke gave him a lovely ride – he kept it simple.” Outlining plans, he added: “Of course, Galway is the plan. He’s won there twice and it would be great to get into the Plate, but he’d probably have to win another of these for that to happen. He’ll be trained for it, but could end up running in the Galway Blazers again – he won it last year.”

The Dermot Hughes Car Sales was as good a novice chase as you could wish to see at this time of year and the Gordon Elliott-trained The Game Changer, in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud, landed the spoils under Bryan Cooper, after a fascinating duel with marginal favourite Rock The World and Upazo. Elliott stated: “He seems to enjoy jumping fences. He was good over the last three, when it was needed.

“We’ll keep him for something in Galway, probably over fences. But he’ll definitely be entered for the Galway Hurdle as well.”

Father Christmas, having his third run, justified 9/10 favouritism for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien in the mile and a quarter maiden. The Bernardini colt, scrubbed along before the home-turn, stayed on dourly under strong driving to beat Alertness, prompting Joseph to explain: “He’s still very green but stays very well. It was his first time going right-handed and it took time for the penny to drop. He might be in the picture for one of the handicaps in Ascot next week.”

The Eoin Doyle-trained Breenainthemicra completed a hat-trick under champion-jockey Pat Smullen in the Roscommon Handicap and, in doing so, defied an unfavourably high draw.

The Dark Angel gelding travelled well and, when asked to deliver his challenge, was soon in command, running on to beat Deor by two lengths.