Clarcam leads The Game Changer over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Clarcam got the better of odds-on stable mate The Game Changer in the feature at Killarney this evening, the Grade 3 Laurels Pub & Restaurant An Riocht Chase.
The victor, who is dual Grade 1 winner, was disappointing over the winter months, but put in a much improved performance to finish third in the Melling Chase at Aintree in April.
He was then fifth in the BoyleSports Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival, and he was sent off a 10/3 chance (from 4's) this evening.
Settled in second by Jack Kennedy, he jumped into a share of the lead at the third last, and hit the front over the next.
He was ridden after that fence, and stayed on best on the run-in to score by two and a quarter lengths.
The Game Changer, who was sent off the 8/11 favourite, was under pressure when he made a mistake at the last.
He couldn't reel in the winner on the run-in, and had to settle for second under Bryan Cooper.
The front running Viconte Du Noyer was a further length and three parts back in third, while Maggio was twenty lengths away in fourth and last.
Both first and second are trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Gigginstown House Stud.
Jack Kennedy said afterwards: "He jumped brilliantly and never put a foot wrong.
"The drop down in grade helped today."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
