Ben most efficient in the jumping stakes

It wasn't the spectacle anyone wanted to see but that'll matter not one whit to backers and connections of Benefficient as he landed a second Grade 1 victory by taking the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

Odds-on favourite Arvika Ligeonniere took what can only be described as a 'soft' fall down the back straight leaving a two horse war between Benefficient and Oscars Well.

The Bryan Cooper-ridden Benefficient looked like he'd get the better of Oscars Well, when that fellow made a horrendous blunder at the last, and there were twenty lengths between the pair at the line.

Winning trainer Tony Martin said: "We'll take days like that. We were very fortunate with Willie's horse (Arvika Ligeonniere falling) but that's what National Hunt racing is all about.

"It's grand to be able to take advantage and it's happened us often enough.

"I hope Willie's horse is alright.

"I don't know if we had the other horse covered or not (Oscars Well at the last) but you couldn't call us overly lucky - we were of course lucky that Willie's horse was gone at that stage.

"You couldn't get two better supporters. 'Red' Sheils (one of the winning owners) never lets him run without coming over and he flew over on the early flight this morning (from New York).

"I've no set plans. We got today out of the way and we'll see how we go now. He'll get an entry in the Arkle and Jewson.

"We'll pick what looks the lesser race and try and stay away from the likes of Simonsig. We'll set out to get place money, like today, and anything else is a bonus.

"He could wait for Liverpool as I'd much prefer a flat track and he disappointed at Cheltenham last year.

"It looked like he was going to be third or fourth behind Simonsig but he conked out and only finished ninth.

"I'd say the boys would be keen on going to Chelteham again though.

"Today he missed the second and out of the three horses you would have said he'd be most likely to fall." (GC & EM)