Gift delivers for Lester

Iris’s Gift passed his latest chasing test with flying colours as he notched a comfortable success in the Bright Future Novices’ Chase at Bangor.

The 2004 Stayers’ Hurdle winner built on his victory at Market Rasen two weeks ago with a good display to win the extended two-and-a-half-mile contest with a little in hand.

Despite making a hash of the 10th fence, Tony McCoy’s mount generally jumped well and made every inch to win at odds of 8-11.

Jonjo O’Neill’s eight-year-old kicked on three fences from home to run out a four-length winner from 20-1 chance Montgermont, who travelled smoothly throughout, but could not cope with the resolute finish of Iris’s Gift.

“He took a bit of a bit of slating in the press and the pressure was unbearable,” owner Robert Lester told Channel 4 Racing.

“There was even more pressure today because it was my local track.

“I went to my mother’s grave and said ‘mother we need some rain’ and I can’t believe the rain she sent us.

“It was a great day for Bangor-on-Dee because lots of people have come out to see him.”

Lester would not be drawn on the long-term plans for Iris’s Gift, but was pleased the gelding’s latest education over fences had been a success.

“I don’t know what will happen now – you’ll have to ask the boss (O’Neill),” Lester added.

“I’m just delighted for today – he’s jumped smashing.

“He doesn’t do a lot. He’s a big, idle fellow and as soon as a horse comes to him, he goes again.

“But this is how he is and I’m just delighted.”

VC Bet leave the popular grey unchanged as a 20-1 chance for the 2006 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup while Paddy Power go 16-1 from 20s.