A winner on yielding ground at Bellharbour in February, Grange Soldier landed the Boomerang.ie Novice Hunters Chase under Barry O'Neill.

The 4/1 chance took the lead before two out and stayed on well to beat market leader Don't Matter Now on which the saddle slipped backwards, by a length.

Winning trainer Willie Murphy said: "He jumped great, it was a good performance and got a great ride but it was a pity for Pa King who unfortunately couldn't be here today, as he did all the work with the horse.

"I was keen to keep somebody who knew the horse to ride him and Barry had finished second on the horse in the past so we had a good replacement.

"He is finished now for the summer."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes