Sole Pretender takes off at the last under Simon Torrens © Photo Healy Racing
Sole Pretender put in an impressive display on his debut over fences, easily accounting for his nine rivals in the McHale Tiger Roll Beginners Chase.
A six-time winner over flights, the son of Gold Well won the Grade 3 Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary in July of last year, finishing a respectable eighth of twenty in the Galway Hurdle.
He disappointed in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton on his most recent start last November, but was expected to make a winning return this evening, going off the 7/4 favourite.
Sent straight to the front by Simon Torrens, the eight-year-old made all and jumped well throughout. He had all his rivals off the bridle before the second last and soon stretched clear, coming home twelve lengths to the good. Eskylane finished second under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott at 9/4 (from 7/4), while the Enda Bolger trained Genois (2/1) was another fourteenth lengths back in third.
"I'm delighted with him. He’s a special little horse," Lee said.
"He came back very sore after his run in Wincanton where he pulled a muscle in his back.
"We knew coming here today that he had a big shout because he's been schooling brilliantly and he goes very well around here. He's not overly big but his jumping was spot on.
"He loves a bit of nice ground and he'll mix it now between hurdles and fences. He'll probably go back for the Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary as well as going novice chasing. He should have a good summer if he stays right."
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
