Roque scores in first chase

Quito De La Roque (a half-brother to Kazal) became the second well-backed favourite to oblige in as many beginners chases at Clonmel, this lovely big staying French bred taking the two and a half miler under Davy Russell (stood himself down after with a wrist problem).

The Saint Des Saints gelding (the same sire is responsible for Quel Esprit) was never far off the gallop, he led four out and despite Time Electric (first run for Charles Byrnes) threatening danger in the straight, the 5/4 market leader galloped on too strongly on the run-in.

Colm Murphy trains Quito De La Roque for Gigginstown House Stud and he said: "He is in a couple of novices over Christmas and we'll have to see as that may come a bit too soon. He has plenty of options anyway and the further they go and the softer the ground the better for him. Thank God today's meeting went ahead."

Meanwhile Murphy also had news of Voler La Vedette, third in the Hatton's Grace yesterday. He said: "I was delighted with her, she ran a cracker. When she settles she is a really good mare and she settled really well for Andrew (Lynch) yesterday.

"I'm not sure where she'll go next but she'll probably have to take on the big boys again. The mares race again at Cheltenham would look to be a target."