Lieutenant excels in the visor

Sub Lieutenant the outsider of three Gigginstown House Stud runners at 9/1, led home a one, two, four for the County Westmeath owner by making most under David Mullins in the Grade 3 Naas Directors Plate Novice Chase.

The successful Brian Boru gelding had worn a hood and cheek-pieces in the past, but today it was a visor on the seven-year-old who was actually shedding his maiden tag over fences on attempt number six. Montys Meadow threw some good leaps before surprisingly crashing out at the third last when right on the premises and before this fence Golantilla was brought to a halt by Adrian Heskin and dismounted.

Another of the Gigginstown runners, Tell Us More (favourite, under Ruby Walsh) looked like he might collect when travelling well in the straight.

However he couldn't match the tough Sub Lieutenant in the closing stages, two lengths splitting them at the line.

There was thirteen lengths back to Arctic Skipper in third, and the other one in the maroon and white, Rule The World (Bryan Cooper up) was five and a half lengths behind in fourth.

Winning trainer Sandra Hughes said: "He was very sweet out in front, the visor helped and a bit of better ground. Once he can dictate and not get bossed around he's fine. He has his own way of doing things, and it's nice to see him get off the mark (over fences).

"I don't know where he will go next. He ran well at Aintree last year, and I wouldn't mind going there over three miles. If not he could go to Fairyhouse."

(AM & EM)