Another assured leap from Top Gamble under Richard Johnson© Photo Healy Racing
Top Gamble added to Kerry Lee's gains in the Grade 1 Ryanair Gold Cup on Sunday, by carrying off another big prize at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival in the Grade 2 Normans Grove Chase.
A fourth British winner of the meeting (Value At Risk for Dan Skelton and Emily Gray for Kim Bailey being the others) Top Gamble, the 5/4 favourite, was partnered in this two mile one furlong event by Richard Johnson.
Often a prominent racer, on this occasion champion jockey elect Johnson was patient on the successful Presenting gelding.
Those tactics proved spot on as he made his way through to lead before two out, keeping on strongly on the run-in for a seven length verdict over Sizing Granite That fellow did nothing for his cause with mistakes at the final two fences.
The horses ridden on the pace, Days Hotel and Flemenstar faded to be ten lengths and six lengths further back in third and fourth.
"I had a mild concern about the ground as obviously the softer the better for this horse. Cheltenham certainly wouldn't have suited him, and that's why we held back and came here. This looked very much the right race for him, and I'm very pleased that Richard came over to ride him. He suits this horse very well, and gave him a belting ride," said Miss Lee.
"They went fast which suited him, and it just goes to show how versatile he is as he can win from the front or from behind.
"I'd say it's very likely that he will come back for Punchestown. He's won three Grade 2s now so he deserves to step up in Grade. I wouldn't risk him on anything better than good to soft. He's a very nice horse.
"Kylemore Lough came out of his race really well on Sunday. He's absolutely bouncing, and thoroughly enjoyed his trip to Fairyhouse. It looks like we will have two runners at Punchestown."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Twinlight (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(AM & EM)
