A Toi Phil in action at Gowran © Photo Healy Racing
A Toi Phil led home a Gigginstown one-two in the featured Grade Two PWC Champion Chase at Gowran Park. Balko Des Flos led A Toi Phil to the third last and appeared to be going the better. However, the leader got low over that fence and A Toi Phil was pushed into the lead by Jack Kennedy.
He was ridden on the approach to the second last and set sail for home before the last obstacle.
The seven-year-old put in a good jump there and drew six and a half lengths clear on the run-in to oblige at 6/1.
Balko Des Flos, the 11/8 favourite, had to make do with second place for Henry de Bromhead and Davy Russell.
Jack Kennedy said: "He has done it very well. He travelled and jumped brilliantly. His jumping is a big help, he's very, very accurate. Davy (Russell on Balko Des Flos) missed the third last and I winged it. I just went on from there then.
"My lad is very tough and the day he won the Leopardstown Chase he was off the bridle a long way out but he stays going.
"The ground (on the chase course) isn't as bad as the hurdle course - it is probably soft."
Gordon Elliott 's assistant Ian Amond said: “Gordon said he’ll probably go to Down Royal next. He has a choice of races there and could go for the 2m4f race for second season novices.
“It’s great for Jack to get a nice one like that and he gave him a great ride.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
