Breakthrough win for Foster's 11-year-old The BOYLE Sports (Q.R.) Handicap Chase at Thurles, over just short of two and three-quarter miles, went to long-standing maiden Rideau Canal (9/1) who rewarded the perseverance of connections by recording a first win on his 26th start. Georgie Benson’s mount jumped the second-last in seventh and moved into third approaching the final fence, before taking command on the run-in to post a three and a quarter length victory over Nolans Rocco. Winning trainer Denise Foster said of the 11-year-old "He had promised a lot, but that was a very long time coming. He was a bit non-committal about everything, so I jumped him over banks and ditches hoping to ignite his enthusiasm, which I think it did. "I wasn't expecting this but he was very good, and I'm delighted for his owner Jules Sigler who also won with Westandtogether at Navan recently. "He’s a great supporter and if it weren’t for him, I might be working at the checkout in SuperValu!” "Georgie gave him a gorgeous ride and when I was doing my Gordon Elliott gig, she won the Ladies Derby in the Curragh, so she has sort-of ridden for me! She is well able to ride and did exactly what was needed to be done today." Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
