Where's Frankie has Thornton thinking of bigger days

Where's Frankie stayed on grittily to win an eventful renewal of the Willie Gibbons 38 Years Handicap Chase over an extended 3m4f in Leopardstown.

Just the five horses held chances swinging for home in a decimated field and Where's Frankie was there at the front trying to see off the challengers. Favori Logique moved up and was almost on terms with Where's Frankie at the final obstacle, but the leader jumped it slightly better.

Donagh Meyler was soon into the drive position and it was needed as Outside The Door kept coming in the closing stages.

The leader toughed it out by half a length at 13/2 from the 18/1 runner-up. Favori Logique (20/1) faded six lengths further back in third.

Karl Thornton said: “Three mile and four seemed to suit him well around here and the bit of rain that came during the week was a blessing as he probably wouldn’t have run if we didn’t get that.

“He’ll go to Fairyhouse on Easter Monday for the 0-140 handicap, and it will probably be holiday time after that.

“He loves Fairyhouse and, if he went up in the weights, he could go for the Irish National next year. He’s very genuine and we can always dream.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee