Down Royal likely for First Lieutenant The JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal is the likely next port of call for First Lieutenant after he was beaten on his seasonal reappearance at Punchestown last week. The Mouse Morris-trained eight-year-old was runner-up in the Down Royal Grade One last year before going on to be placed in the Lexus Chase, the Ryanair Chase and the Punchestown Gold Cup. First Lieutenant did enjoy his day in the sun when winning the Betfred Bowl at Aintree's Grand National meeting. He was an odds-on favourite for his comeback run in the Star Best For Racing Coverage Chase but was beaten into third by fellow Gigginstown-owned runners Toner D'Oudairies and Roi Du Mee. While the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on November 2nd is an option, Morris is favouring staying at home with his star stayer. He said: "There's not a bother on him and we were happy enough. They didn't go much of a gallop and it turned into a bit of sprint, but he'll improve for the run. "Depending on the ground, I think he'll probably go to Down Royal. We'll support our own races (in Ireland) first."
