Four defectors saw the Grade One Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown reduced to a three horse race and favourite Battleoverdoyen led home a one two for Gigginstown House Stud and Gordon Elliott.

Under Davy Russell the 4/9 victor made all, and though edging slightly left when pressed from before the last, the big Doyen gelding found enough to prevail by a length.

Battleoverdoyen and Champagne Classic left Lord Schnitzel thirty eight lengths back. He still picked up 9,000 Euros for his connections.

“He'll probably come on a bit from the run, he's having a good blow after it,” said Elliott.

“Davy said the two of them only hacked around and it was like a nice school. He said he only did what he had to do.

“It's not ideal for the sponsors who put the prize-money up but there is nothing we can do about the ground and that's the way it is.

“The second horse is a good horse, he's rated 150.

“I'd imagine he could come back here for the Flogas. He'll be entered in it and we'll see.

“The way he jumps and travels, he's a real nice horse, he's a big chaser.

“He'll go on any ground and he's won three times on good ground. I like the way he jumps.

“The runner-up will probably go for what used to be the four-miler. I was happy with both horses.

“It's been an unbelievable week. We've had ten winners and four Grade 1s. I went home with my tail between my legs on the first day but that's the way it is.”

Battleoverdoyen is 8/1 unchanged with Paddy Power for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham.

The same firm go 8/1 favourite from 10s about Champagne Classic for the National Hunt Chase.

(GC & EM)