Presenting Lad records back-to-backs wins with battling display

A winner at Roscommon last week, the Mark McNiff trained Presenting Lad recorded another success when battling back bravely on the run-in to land the opening Bar One Racing Rated Novice Chase at Tramore.

A three-time winner over flights, the eight-year-old already looks like a horse who can achieve much more over fences this season.

Held up in rear early on, jockey Phillip Enright moved second at halfway before taking over in front three out.

Joined by both Faux Fur and Still Ciel on the approach to two out, the latter landed in front and went on at the last.

However, Presenting Lad found plenty for Enright on the run-in, staying on again inside the last 50 yards to get back up close home to win by a neck.

Mark McNiff said: "He was busy for a period last year and it didn't seem to bother him either. That's his third run in around 23 days. I was a bit apprehensive about the close proximity of each run but the entry for this was small and it was worth a chance.

"He loves that ground and Phillip was exceptional on him.

"He was to go to Downpatrick for a race rated up to 116 but he might be too high for that now unless the handicapper leaves him. He only won by a neck so in theory he shouldn't give him anything."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy