Royal Rendezvous (nearest) and Gallant John Joe battle it out© Photo Healy Racing
There was a thrilling finish to the Grade 3 Naas Directors Plate Novice Chase, with Royal Rendezvous (9/4) just prevailing under Danny Mullins for his uncle Willie.
Squeezed for room approaching the second last, the winner done well to hold his position. He then had to be switched to come with his challenge from the final fence, staying on best between horses, getting up in the dying strides to prevail by a short head. Ministerforsport (16s in early shows and returned 6/1) was the one just denied, with Philip Enright aboard this nine-year-old for Noel O'Neill.
The Oliver McKiernan trained Gallant John Joe who was sent off the 11/10 favourite, looked set to score when hitting the front from the second last.
However he couldn't keep up the momentum when ridden on the run-in and eventually finished a further half a length back in third with Barry Browne aboard. Dallas Des Pictons was another neck away in fourth, while Halsafari and Dolciano Dici were well-behind in fifth and sixth respectively.
Royal Rendezvous, who is owned by Dr Peter Fitzgerald, the managing director of Randox Health, clearly appreciated the drop in class this afternoon, having competed at the highest level on his last two starts.
David Casey, representing Willie Mullins, said in the aftermath: "He toughed it out. They didn't go overly fast but he jumped well and was brave at the end. He had to come through a tight gap at the second last and again up to the line. He saw the trip out well on that ground.
"We might have a look at something in Aintree. The owners would like to have a runner there."
Danny Mullins added: "I thought when we got under the last it was race over but in fairness to him he hit the line very strong. Credit to the horse.
"He settled quite well early on, we were planning on being a bit closer. Once he was settled I was happy in that spot.
"I knew Barry (Browne) had to ride his race to try and keep me tight but in fairness he put down his head and went through with it."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
