King reigns supreme at Gowran

Kicking King made a perfect start to his season by claiming the Grade Two National Lottery Agent Champion Chase at Gowran today.

Tom Taaffe’s six-year-old, narrowly beaten by Well Chief in the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham last season, jumped well throughout and recorded a smooth success.

Barry Geraghty settled the 11-4 shot in third place as Cloudy Bays and Alcapone cut out the early running in the two-and-a-half-mile contest.

Kicking King began to make his move just over a mile out and a solid jump at the third-last put his head in front as Cloudy Bays faded out of contention.

Although Rathgar Beau tried to challenge, Geraghty had plenty left and put Kicking King straight for the last two fences before cruising home by two and a half lengths.

Rathgar Beau, the 9-4 favourite, claimed second, with Strong Run staying on for third.

Coral now go 25-1 from 33s about Kicking King for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.