Tobac another winner for Flynn

Na Caith Tobac made it back to back wins over course and distance when easily landing the Plus2Print Remembering Tony Oakes MBE Handicap Chase at Downpatrick.

Ben Kennedy had the five-year-old up with the pace from the outset, jumping and travelling well at the head of the field.

He could afford to take a breather on the run down into the dip before a big leap at the last sealed the race.

The winner was continuing the fine recent form of trainer Paul Flynn, who was on the mark with Plunkett at Leopardstown on Thursday evening.

Paul Flynn said: "The young lad gave him a great ride. It's his first winner over fences and hasn't had many rides over fences. He came down to school and ride out and I thought he rode well. He has ridden plenty on the Flat and rides out for Brendan Duke.

"It's unusual to see a race cut up so much in Ireland, you'd be looking over in England and you'd be giving out. It was great for me but not for anybody else!

"He gave a great round of jumping and hopefully he can go on to Tipperary now. He's definitely a better chaser than he was a hurdler.

"He jumped his hurdles too big and I thought he was kind of windy but fences suit him as he jumps the hurdles like fences. Once he started jumping fences, he attacked them.

"A great little horse and the boys have got plenty of money off him a few times.

"The horses are running really well and everybody at home helps out which makes a big difference."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham