A Toi Phil jumps the last under Ruby Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
A Toi Phil made it a treble on the day for Ruby Walsh, Gordon Elliott, and Gigginstown House Stud, as he took the Porter & Co. Beginners Chase.
Making his debut for Elliott, the six-year-old son of Day Flight won twice for Willie Mullins last season, the highlight of which was a Grade 2 over flights at Leopardstown.
Having his first start over fences this afternoon, he was sent off the 4/5 favourite.
Settled in mid-division his task was made a bit easier when stable mate Be The Hero crashed out at the seventh last.
He took closer order from five out, and was in a share of the lead at the next. He was pushed to the front before the last, and kept on well under pressure on the run-in, going on to score by four and a half lengths. Art Of Payroll (10/1) finished second under Jonathan Burke for Sandra Hughes, while Woodford Island who was backed from 8's to 11/2 on-course, fell two out when still in contention.
Ruby Walsh said afterwards: "He wouldn't be a horse that is ever overly impressive or win too far, but he jumped super, I thought he jumped really well. He has a good attitude to jump, he travelled well and I don't think he ever looked like getting beaten.
Gordon Elliott added: "He is a nice horse. It was his first run for us, and he jumped well, and he'll do his job. He will probably go for a graded race next, maybe the Drinmore."
Paddy Power make A Toi Phil a 25/1 chance for the JLT Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in March.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
