Venitien gets off the mark over fences

Venitien De Mai powered clear in the closing stages to get off the mark over fences at the third time of asking in the Rodney Watson Memorial Beginners Chase at Down Royal.

The well-backed 11/8 favourite (2/1 in morning) was produced to challenge three from home by Jamie Codd and got the better of market rival Futuramic jumping the last.

Jim Dreaper 's charge asserted in the closing stages to record a three-and-a-half length success in the colours of Ann and Alan Potts.

The winner had been third on his last visit to the course on St Stephen's Day.

"He's very consistent and he deserved one. He has been knocking on the door all the time,” said Dreaper.

"He looked like he would stay so we might go three miles.

"He is naturally a good jumper but it was that deep there that it looked like he was reaching for them. He wanted to do it though, that's the main thing."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)