Dermot Weld filled in one of the few missing big races on his illustrious training CV as Majestic Concorde took the valuable Paddy Power Chase at odds of 33/1.
The seven-year-old Definite Article gelding was ridden close to the pace all the way by amateur Robbie McNamara, striking the front at the fourth last. Becauseicouldntsee (9/1) came out of the pack to prove the main threat in the straight but McNamara's mount stayed on gamely under pressure to prevail by two and a half lengths, with Pomme Tiepy (10/1) keeping on late another six lengths away in third.
“I think that's the first runner I've had in this race. The prize-money is great and he's a wonderful horse to train. He ran a great race in the Chester Cup and we learned a bit from the Galway Plate where we rode him around the inner and he got a bit squeezed up. Robbie gave him more room at his fences today,” said a delighted Weld afterwards.
He added: “I thought he had plenty of weight but he's got that bit of class. Ideally he likes good ground but I'd say its quite loose out there today and he handled it. I'm very pleased for Dr Lambe who is a very loyal owner and really deserves this wonderful win.”
Stan James have introduced Majestic Concorde at 33/1 for the John Smiths Grand National. The same firm make Big Fella Thanks their 14/1 favourite, with Niche Market at 16's.
