Gift Delivers For Lester

Iris´s Gift passed his latest chasing test with flying colours as he notched a comfortable success in the Bright Future Novices´ Chase at Bangor.

The 2004 Stayers´ Hurdle winner built on his victory at Market Rasen two weeks ago with a good display to win the extended two-and-a-half-mile contest with plenty in hand.

Despite making a hash of the 10th fence, Tony McCoy´s mount generally jumped well and made all to score at odds of 8-11.

Jonjo O´Neill´s eight-year-old kicked on three fences from home to run out a four-length winner from 20-1 chance Montgermont, who travelled smoothly throughout but could not cope with the resolute finish of Iris´s Gift.

'He took a bit of a bit of slating in the press and the pressure was unbearable,' owner Robert Lester told Channel 4 Racing.

'There was even more pressure today because it was my local track.

'I went to my mother´s grave and said `mother we need some rain´ and I can´t believe the rain she sent us.

'It was a great day for Bangor-on-Dee because lots of people have come out to see him.'

Lester would not be drawn on the long-term plans for Iris´s Gift, but was pleased the gelding´s latest education over fences had been a success.

'I don´t know what will happen now - you´ll have to ask the boss (O´Neill),' Lester added.

'I´m just delighted for today - he´s jumped smashing.

'He doesn´t do a lot. He´s a big, idle fellow and as soon as a horse comes to him, he goes again.

'But this is how he is and I´m just delighted.'

VC Bet leave the popular grey unchanged as a 20-1 chance for the 2006 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup while Paddy Power go 16-1 from 20s.

? PA Sport