3 minute read

Willie Mullins and Paul Townend teamed up to good effect with Lecky Watson in the Grade 3 Sky Bet, For The Fans Novice Chase at Punchestown on Sunday.

Having got the better of last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle scorer Slade Steel on his chasing debut at Naas last month, the Willie Mullins-trained contender was sent off the 5/4 favourite to make it two from two over fences.

Always towards the head of affairs under Paul Townend, Lecky Watson didn't always jump with fluency at times, and he looked to have a major challenge on his hands when Gordon Elliott's Down Memory Lane, who was third in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown last start, loomed up travelling powerfully at the penultimate fence.

However, Down Memory Lane flattered to deceive once asked to go about his business by Mark Walsh and Lecky Watson kicked clear into the lead. A sloppy leap at the last gave backers of the favourite a moment of worry, but he ultimately finished well on top and scored by a commanding eight lengths.

Down Memory Lane stuck on best to get the better of his stablemate Farren Glory for the silver medal position.

Paddy Power cut the winner to 10/1 (from 16s) for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Speaking on Racing TV, Townend said: "The engine is definitely in there. The fourth and third last were probably his best jumps when we were going forward.

"He took his eye off the prize a little bit throughout the race, but he found a leg when he had to and some of these novices don't.

"He learnt plenty there and I thought he settled it quickly. He's definitely grown up and when I gave him a thump, he really settled it quickly.

"They were no slouches behind him. I always thought he was a stayer, but he was just so hard on himself. If he relaxes more, it's out (in trip) rather than back you'd be going."