Raajih has 'Gold Cup' aspirations

Paul Carberry rode a patient race on Raajih to land the three mile one handicap chase in Kilbeggan for trainer Gordon Elliott. Aces And Kings was in the lead and clear when he fell at the fifth last. Independent of that fall, Playtime Ben also went at that fence when in rear. Baily Dusk assumed the lead after Aces And Kings crashed out, but he was picked off by Raajih on the run to the final fence. Prince Of Milan also went by him on the inside, but he unseated Davy Condon after jumping the final fence and stumbling. Raaijh was in a clear lead upon landing after the last, though his task was made easier when Prince Of Milan unseated.

Raajih came home as the 11/4 favourite. He won by eight lengths from 20/1 shot Cherryantor who kept on for second. He was seven lengths ahead of Baily Dusk (11/1).

Gordon Elliott said: “He may go to Perth for the Gold Cup there in a few weeks time. He’s travelling a lot better than he was. He’s a good fun horse for the lads.”

The winning Sideways Syndicate are from Moynalvey and Summerhill.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee