Roaring Bull storms home to land a thrilling Paddy Power

The Paddy Power Handicap Chase produced a highly dramatic finish with Roaring Bull (16/1) storming home under Jack Kennedy to lead close to the line.

After plenty of thrills and spills on the way around, it was still a wide-open contest racing to the final fence. Plan Of Attack led over it, but was collared by last year’s third Fitzhenry (6/1 fav) 100 yards from the line.

That one looked set for a big payday but, having been only sixth jumping the last, the Gigginstown-owned six-year-old by Milan finished fastest to score by half a length.

Plan of Attack (16/1) was third another length and three quarters away, with his stablemate Poker Party (9/1) in fourth.

The winner won his beginners’ chase on New Year’s Day at Fairyhouse, and also scored at Naas in February before running a fair sixth in the Irish Grand National. Here, on his third start of the season, he improved markedly from his previous start at Navan, where he had finished a long way behind Fitzhenry in the Troytown Chase.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said “I feel sorry for Paul Nolan (trainer of Fitzhenry) who is a very good friend of mine. I was watching the race out on the track with Paul and I was cheering his horse on because I thought I was gone.

“Next thing with about 50 yards to go I saw my lad flying and I sort of bit my tongue and said nothing. It’s great for everyone in the yard but I’m a bit gutted for Paul.”

Winning rider Jack Kennedy said “When the tape went back I wasn’t in the position I wanted to be in but he travelled lovely throughout the race and I got a lovely run around.

“He didn’t pick up the way I wanted to after the second last but it worked out well as I didn’t want to be in front too long. He dug deep and did it well.”

Eddie O’Leary, representing Gigginstown House Stud, remarked “Jack let him creep away and gave him a fantastic ride.”

Paddy Power/Betfair gave the winner a 50/1 quote for the 2020 Aintree Grand National.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee