That was an El of an effort Gord
FOR the second year in succession Road To Respect was the star of the show in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal yesterday.
The Noel Meade inmate, who is only the third horse to win this race twice, looked better than ever on his first run since April.
In a slowly run race the former Gold Cup fourth jumped and travelled well and he then picked up smartly for jockey Sean Flanagan in the straight.
Road To Respect always seemed to be doing enough to defeat last season’s King George winner Clan Des Obeaux and he went on to finish four lengths clear of that rival.
The front running Alpha Des Obeaux was third while Delta Work could only manage fourth following some ragged jumps over the last half mile.
Earlier on the card racegoers were treated to quite a display from Envoi Allen in the maiden hurdle.
Last season’s Cheltenham bumper winner was tackling hurdles for the first time and he produced a hugely impressive display from the front under Davy Russell.
“I’d say he will go for the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse next, he’s not short of pace as he showed there and you couldn’t have asked for any more from him,” reflected Gordon Elliott.
“He’s just a very good horse and we think he could go all the way but we’ll just take things one step at a time. He’s exciting,” added the trainer.
Willie Mullins made his presence felt with a double and his brace was completed by the impressive Real Steel in the Irish Daily Mirror Chase.
The 4/5 favourite registered a 14 lengths success under Paul Townend which should set him up nicely for a crack at bigger targets this winter.
Earlier the Mullinstrained Janidil produced a nice display under Mark Walsh to win the valuable handicap hurdle.