Texas Jack slugs it out best

Texas Jack showed his appreciation for dropping back in grade and trip when coming out on top after an exciting conclusion to the Grade 2 Boylesports.com – Bet On Your Mobile Novice Chase with Paul Carberry up at Leopardstown. Mount Benbulben spoiled his chance by jumping to his right but he, favourite, Marito and Lord Windermere battled it out from the back of the last.

In the end Texas Jack might have got there a bit soon and he seemed to idle a bit in the closing stages but he still pulled out enough to triumph by half a length from Lord Windermere, who rallied well.

Noel Meade trains the son of Curtain Time (stands at Woodfield Farm Stud in County Waterford) for Robert Watson and the County Meath handler said: "He jumped brilliant and got a brilliant ride as per usual. He ran a good race here at Christmas and Paul felt dropping back in trip would suit.

"He's in the Grade 1 here in two weeks time – the Moriarty. I don't know whether he'll go there or go to Cheltenham either. The Powers Gold Cup could be a race for him.

"He's improving a bit also as he was always a big, weak, leggy horse." (GC & EM)