Exotic Dancer wins Lexus chase

Exotic Dancer claimed a first Grade One victory as he came home clear in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.

Sent off a 4-1 chance, Jonjo O’Neill’s raider benefited from the departure of favourite Neptune Collonges at the second-last fence to coast home under Tony McCoy.

War Of Attrition took second in the three-mile heat while Cane Brake was third.

McCoy settled Exotic Dancer at the rear of the field from the off as Ruby Walsh took up a prominent position on 5-4 market leader Neptune Collonges.

He set a sound pace up front as McCoy was happy to bide his time and let Exotic Dancer sit last of the nine runners before making stealthy progress in the second half of the race.

Coming to the second last, Neptune Collonges was still in front and appeared to have something

still to give as Exotic Dancer, War Of Attrition and Cane Brake were lined up to challenge.

However, Neptune Collonges crashed through the obstacle, leaving Exotic Dancer in front and travelling best of all.

McCoy just had to keep him going up the straight and after he cleared the last, O’Neill’s charge was

barely troubled to come home 20 lengths clear of the tiring War Of Attrition.

The Listener, a third British-trained challenger and winner of the race in 2006, was an early casualty after crashing out at the second fence.