O’Neill’s Synchronised wins Lexus Chase

Jonjo O’Neill’s Synchronised was a surprise winner of the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown under Tony McCoy.

The 8-1 chance tracked runner-up Rubi Light and Quito De La Roque into the home straight and swept clear in impressive style.

A fine leap at the last sealed victory and, with his rivals toiling, Synchronised bounded clear to score decisively.

Last season's Welsh National winner also had the option of defending his crown at Chepstow on Tuesday, but connections instead decided to go for Grade One glory.

As a proven mudlark, the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old looked to have plenty on his plate in the drying conditions.

However, he still produced a fine performance to beat Cheltenham Gold Cup hopes Rubi Light and Quito De La Roque.

Rubi Light was tackling the three-mile trip for the first time, having landed the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase earlier this month.

But despite travelling strongly and jumping fluently, he had no answer when Synchronised came to challenge him at the top of the straight and was eight and a half lengths in arrears.

Quito De La Roque, the 13-8 favourite, was going for a sixth consecutive victory and was last seen beating Sizing Europe at Down Royal.

He, too, went well for a long way, but had to make do with third spot.