Donal Murphy
Lake Chad again shows his liking for Tramore
Lake Chad is ridden out by Niall Moore
© Photo Healy Racing
Lake Chad registered his third win at Tramore as he claimed the eight-runner Pickardstown Handicap Chase.
Successful on his most recent visit to the venue in August, the Philip Fenton-trained grey finished a solid fourth when last seen at Galway.
Sent off a 4/1 chance (touched 8s early) this afternoon, the Eileen Moore-owned nine-year-old was prominent early on under Niall Moore.
Well behind the front pair in third from halfway, he closed on the leaders approaching the penultimate obstacle and soon led, keeping on well from there to score by two and three quarters of a length.
The front-running Itsalonglongroad faded when headed before two out and eventually finished fourth, with his stable companion Coole Arcade (11/2 from 25s early) filling the runner-up spot under Conor Stone-Walsh.
There was another four and three quarters of a length back to Tomas O Maille (4/1) in third while Prince Of Air who was returned the 7/2 favourite, unseated at the first.
"The favourite went out early and he likes Tramore, it's his third win here. He is a sharp little fella," Fenton commented.
"There is a race at Clonmel for him in two weeks' time. It's over two-and-a-half (miles) and I think he will be better over that trip."