Fitz routs rivals to complete four-timer

Mick Winters is considering a trip to Cheltenham this autumn with Rebel Fitz after the exciting gelding completed a four-timer over fences in the Deacy Gilligan Novice Chase.

Barry Geraghty, completing a double on the card having earlier scored on Que Pasa oozed confidence on the long run-in after his mount struck the front with two super jumps at the fences in the dip.

The 4/9 favourite, who not for the first time sweated up significantly, cruised clear despite Geraghty hardly moving a muscle to beat Saint Gervais by eight and a half lengths. Lord Ben forced the pace but was hauled back after a slow jump four out, and had no more to offer on the run-in finishing a further four and three quarter lengths back in third.

Winters said, “Barry said that he’s some leaper. He asked him over the final four fences to ensure that he wouldn’t get outpaced. He might want further, and may be more of a stayer.

“He thrives on his racing and was as ready as we could have him today but if he turned up again next week I’d say he could be better again.

“He collects every day and there is a possibility he might be slightly better going right handed. Having said that, the plan is to go to Cheltenham in October or November. There is a low grade novice chase in October, and he’s more likely to go for that before the ground turns heavy. He’ll have his three months off then.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes