Former hunter chaser Samurai Cracker made it third time lucky at Down Royal when running out a convincing winner of the rated novice chase this afternoon.

Caroline McCaldin 's charge had been third in the hunter chase at this meeting last year and was also second over timber here in August.

The 7/1 shot was produced to challenge after the third last in today's two-mile-three contest and had the advantage going to the penultimate fence.

Richie Deegan 's mount galloped on well in the closing stages to post a six-length win over The Gunner Murphy

When it was put to Deegan that he mount had travelled well into the race he said: "Yes with the drop back in trip and the ground.

"Some of his best hunter chase runs were over two and a half. I was talking to John Barry before and he thought today would suit him.

"He travelled and he jumped me there at the third last - I didn't want to be there as soon but he was just taking me there so easily.

"I could see a few struggling over the back and I was just sitting away jumping and trying to save what I could, and he did it well.

"They (connections) were sweet on him; he ran very well over three (miles) in Navan the last day. He stayed very well but they just thought on this ground two miles three might be perfect and they were spot on."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)