Jumping proves crucial as Tipp comes good

Jumping is the name of the game, and Gallant Tipp certainly proved the point when landing the Budweiser Beginners Chase at Roscommon.

The J P McManus-owned gelding fell while holding a narrow advantage at the last at Tipperary last month but this time he took full advantage of his rivals mistakes to justify 7/4 favouritism.

The front-running Deputy's Pass fell three out and hampered Speed Demon who in turn fell at the second last.

All this drama left Gallant Tipp clear, and the seven-year-old gelding kept on well under Barry Geraghty to score by five and a half lengths. Much Wants More took the runner-up spot, with Dawn Flyer another nine lengths adrift in third.

Winning trainer Edward O'Grady said, "I didn't think it would take so long. We were 14 months trying to win a chase. He was very unlucky the last day I thought. He slipped more than fell.

"I don't have any plans and I'll see what Frank (Berry) suggests. I was very happy with his jumping today."

(GC & AM)