Vic flies home in Ryanair

First-time blinkers worked superbly for Our Vic as the David Pipe-trained gelding made all under Timmy Murphy to land the Ryanair Chase.

The David Johnson-owned 4/1 shot, enjoyed himself from the outset as he led The Listener over the early fences, with Turko handy and Mossbank and L´Antartique bringing up the rear.

After shrugging off the early challengers with ease, Our Vic still had enough left in the tank to hold Mossbank by five lengths, with Turko another seven lengths back in third.

Murphy said: "They (the blinkers) made a good bit of difference, but the ground was a bit slower this year as well.

"They went a good gallop on the ground and he stays a bit further. I was a bit worried turning in that he´d fold on me, but he stayed on to the line. He´s one of our best horses and deserves a big day like this."

Johnson was understandably thrilled and said: "The horse has been knocking on the door all season and deserved a big race - now he´s got it.

"David (Pipe) said the blinkers might liven him up - he´s been a bit lethargic in his races - and it´s worked the oracle. Once he jumped the first I thought he´d have a real chance.

"Over the last I was keeping my fingers crossed he´d get up the hill. Timmy gave him a great ride."

Pipe said: "He´s been an absolutely brilliant horse for us for a long time. He´s deserved to win a race at the Cheltenham Festival and this is the one.

"Timmy gave him a great ride, a very positive ride. We decided to put the blinkers on because last year in the race he got a bit outpaced.