Net D'Ecosse marks himself out as Midlands National horse

Net D'Ecosse (7/1) made all over an extended two miles three to take Kilbeggan's handicap chase for Noel Meade and Sean Flanagan.

The eight-year-old was in dominant form as he left his rivals strung out in winning by 11 lengths from the well-backed-favourite Thirsty Work (7/2 from 9/2).

In turn, Presenting Mahler was 12 lengths adrift in third at 20/1. Drumconnor Lad who won at Down Royal on Monday, weakened out of contention from third before the last to come home fourth.

Noel Meade said: "He deserved that as he had a lot of good runs last year without winning a race.

“He ran well around here before. I was a little worried about the ground because it was soft but he handled it well.

“He jumped well and got a good positive ride. Hopefully he might be a nicer horse this year.

“We had to hobday him last year after we got him and it took him a while after that. He likes summer ground.”

When asked if the Midlands National could be a target he added: "He absolutely loves it around here and that could definitely be on the mark.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson