Elliott's charge proves King in Latin Quarter Chase

The Gordon Elliott trained King Of Kingsfield made his class count when quickening up smartly close home to win the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase at Galway.

A regular competitor in Grade 1 hurdles over the winter, the seven-year-old had made a promising start to his chasing career when second at Naas in November.

Returning to the larger obstacles here, the gelding was a drifter on track, returning 7/2 after strong market support for My Great Mate

The latter led after jumping the last but Jack Kennedy soon went second on the son of Vadamos, closing on the leader early in the straight.

Getting upsides over 150 yards out, King Of Kingsfield forged clear for an easy three-and-three-quarter lengths victory.

"He is a classy horse, lovely for him to have his day today," said Kennedy.

"He was a small bit cold early but I wasn't too worried as he can get a bit lit up. I was happy enough to take a lead.

"I had a fair idea Paul (Townend - My Great Mate) was going to come over to the stands rail. I was happy enough to stay in behind him.

"Late on there, he was only doing what he had to do."

Gordon Elliott said: "He had a couple of hard races last year leading the mare (stablemate Brighterdaysahead) around which was probably a bit unfair to the horse having to do the donkey work. I was delighted to see the ground being as good as it was today and I thought Jack gave him a beautiful ride.

"The plan was to take a lead or else go steady in front, he was a bit careful jumping early and he came with one run.

"We'll keep him to fences now and we'll have fun with him. I don't think he wants winter heavy ground but there are plenty of nice races to be won with him."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.