Pied Piper now three from three over fences Despite drifting from 2/5 to 6/5, Pied Piper maintained his unbeaten record over fences in the Dermot Hughes Car Sales Novice Chase. A dual Grade 2 winner over flights, the classy Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old was successful on his chase debut at Down Royal in April, following-up in a three-runner contest at Killarney. Again in a three runner race this evening, the New Approach chestnut disputed the lead with Zenta (8/11f from 13/8 early), gaining an outright advantage before the seventh. Stretching clear of the market leader from four out, the Mark Roden and Ray Nolan-owned victor ultimately eased to a 27-length win, with outsider Midnight Moonshine (22/1) filling the runner-up spot. Running well below par, Zenta finished another 23-lengths back in third. "It was as straightforward as you can get," winning rider Kevin Sexton reflected. "His jumping was a bit exuberant the first day in Down Royal, he was brave and a bit silly, but it's a massive asset to him now. He's absolutely brilliant, long, short, whenever you want. "He probably galloped the other horse into the ground with his jumping. From there on it was just about getting him around and not doing something stupid on him. "I took a look turning in and I was well clear, barring me going and doing something stupid he was home and hosed. "There was a stride there down to the last where I could have given him a squeeze but it would have been stupid to put him on the ground so I just let him pop. In fairness to him he listened to me and did it. "It's been a tough few days, I’ve had five seconds, so a winner was important." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Zenta (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * G. Brouder, rider of Zenta (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
