Panda Boy and J J Slevin © Photo Healy Racing
A dual winner over hurdles, Panda Boy (11/2, from 11s this morning) made a winning start over fences in the Ladbrokes-sponsored beginners' chase.
In-form JJ Slevin dropped in at the rear in the early stages on the Valirann gelding who gradually worked his way through the field to go third at the second-last. The six-year-old headed Caesar Rock before the last before going on to readily account for that rival by nine lengths. Everglow finsihed a further length and a quarter back in third.
The 2/1 favourite Lord Royal was pulled up before the straight after blundering badly early in the race.
Winning trainer Martin Brassil remarked: "That was a lovely introduction for him and an added bonus that he won.
“We only decided after he ran here at the Festival to go chasing with him. I always felt he was a good ground horse as they were watering the track at Leopardstown when he won the Pertemps Qualifier.
“His action always suggested to me that he wanted decent ground and chasing is his game.
“We may give him a little break now and see where we go. He’s only six and hopefully he’ll be a nice staying chaser for the future.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
