Racing: Ericsson Chase a classy battle

The Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown has attracted classy field with Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Sackville set to face eight rivals this afternoon.

Adrian Maguire, who steered Florida Pearl to glory on St Stephen's Day, will be chasing his second big prize in three days.

The only British raider to cross the Irish Sea is Paris Pike. Ferdy Murphy’s charge bids to improve on his seasonal reappearance when he was a one length runner up in trying to concede 23lbs to Weaver George in a Kelso Handicap Chase at the beginning of the month.

Paris Pike had previously been off the course since winning the Scottish National last year but he showed at the Borders track that he retains his ability.

Murphy had considered running the nine-year-old in yesterday’s Pertemps King George VI Chase but instead plumped for what he perceives to be an easier trip to Leopardstown in a bid to land a share of the near-£75,000 prize on offer.

‘‘It’s a left-handed track in preference to a right-handed track even though he has won right-handed, the only time he ever got beat for me was going right-handed,’’ said the Middleham trainer today.

‘‘He probably didn’t jump as well that day as he could have done so, you know, this looks the easier of the two options.’’

It later transpired that Sackville is now a doubtful runner after Miss Crowley announced her charge had a runny nose.

‘‘We discovered that the horse had a dirty nose this morning,’’ the trainer said last night. ‘‘He is now doubtful although we will check again in the morning.’’