Roi Du Mee and Bryan Cooper clear the last fence to win from Yes Tom© Photo Healy Racing
Roi Du Mee produced a typically admirable front-running performance to land the spoils in the Daily Mirror Chase at Down Royal this afternoon.
Gordon Elliott 's popular charge was returning to the scene of his greatest triumph having taken the Grade 1 Jnwine.com Champion Chase at the track in November 2013.
Bryan Cooper took up his customary position at the head of affairs on the well-backed 9/10 favourite (11/8 this morning).
The Gigginstown gelding was asked to go about his business after the third last in the 3m2f contest and old rival Foildubh who has pressed him hard at Fairyhouse last time, cried enough at that point. Yes Tom was the one to press him but came off the bridle himself at the second last and could never get on terms after with the French-bred, who stayed on strongly for a three-and-three-quarter length win.
It was a 16th career victory for Roi Du Mee and Elliott said afterwards:-
"He's a great horse and one of my favourite horses in training. I think he's won 16 races and he won his Grade One here. He's not over big, but he has a big heart. We made sure it was a gallop.
"He's in the English and Irish Nationals and the Imperial Call Chase at Cork, but if there's no rain he won't run.
"What can you say about him. He's a star. Bryan said he was idling. He has to do his racing the hard way.
"I wanted to go cross country with him, but Michael (O'Leary) wouldn't let me as he has a soft spot for him.
"Another two winners today (Skilled won in Wexford) keeps the show on the road."
(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)
