On his sixteenth start over fences Paddy O Dee finally managed to get his head in front as he just held off the late challenge of Duroob to land the williamhillbingo.com Handicap Chase for his trainer Philip Rothwell with Declan Bates aboard.
After running well on his last three starts finishing third, fifth and fourth, the son of Kasakov was certainly not winning out of turn today.
Having chased the leaders early on he was a moderate second before four out behind the clear leader The Man From Slatt
However that fellow soon weakened as the winner took up the running and was clear three from home. His advantage was reduced after the last when ridden but he just did enough in front to hold off the late surge of Duroob (10/1) by a neck. Strolling Home finished a further thirteen lengths back in third under Andrew Thornton at the odds of 8/1.
The 11/2 favourite Fitzgutentyte could only manage a disappointing sixth under Davy Russell.
Winning trainer Philip Rothwell said afterwards: "I had a winner last week in Tramore which was also ridden by Declan (Bates).
"This lad has been running consistently and he deserved to get his head in front.
“He has a dirty cut on his foot but if we can get that cleaned up he could go for a conditional riders handicap chase at Thurles in two weeks time.
"His owner Oliver Barden owns a pub in Dublin."
