Merchant Paddy impresses in Grade 2 Novice

Merchant Paddy earned an entry for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham after landing the Grade 2 Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Chase in fine style under a confident Davy Russell.

The Charles Byrnes-trained eight-year-old was travelling ominously well entering the straight, leading before the last and quickly stretching clear on the run-in to beat Bohemian Lass by 11 lengths.

The long-time leader Beroni could find no extra approacing the final fence and finished a further four and a half lengths back in third.

'We always felt he wanted a bit of better ground, and he should stay three miles on good ground. He'll get an entry for the RSA Chase and the four-miler at Cheltenham but it was probably a weak Grade 2 today,' said Co. Limerick based Byrnes.