Always on target at Gowran

Always, the outsider of three runners, landed a surprise success in the Grade Two National Lottery Agent Champion Chase at Gowran Park.

A disappointing turn-out ensured the €65,000 contest would be a tactical affair and Strong Project set off in front, with Always in second and 1-2 favourite Ansar settled in third.

The market leader made a bad blunder at the second fence, however, crashing through the top of the obstacle.

Dermot Weld’s charge did well to stand up and that extra effort may have started to tell as the field turned for home.

Ansar, who was found to have a cut to his stifle after the race, was the first to cry enough as his two rivals turned up the pace.

Paul Carberry conjured a telling late spurt from the Noel Meade-trained Always and the 9-1 shot just got up to beat Strong Project by a neck.

“That was a surprise but then life’s full of surprises,” Meade said.

“We thought there was no point in making a strong gallop as it would have suited the others, so when it turned into a sprint it suited our fellow more.

“Ansar’s mistake obviously helped as well.

“He jumps very well and we may look at a race at Aintree for him.”

Always is due to go to Goffs Sales in two weeks but that will now be reviewed.

Earlier in the day, The Last Stand created a favourable impression as he took the Kilford Arms 3-Y-O Hurdle.

Anthony Mullins charge made all as he beat Tango Foxtrot by four and a half lengths, prompting Cashmans to introduce him as a 50-1 chance for the 2006 Triumph Hurdle.