Gris stays well to open chase account

Pinot Gris made it third time lucky over fences when asserting from the last to claim the beginners chase at Wexford this evening.

Darragh O’Keeffe drove his mount into contention over the penultimate fence and he was in the lead over the last in the two-mile-three contest.

The 5/2 favourite stayed on well to the line to post a five-and-a-half length victory over Mickie Angel

Trainer Henry de Bromhead said afterwards:- “We’re delighted with that.

“We said we’d try stepping him up in trip. He jumped well and I thought Darragh gave him a brilliant ride. He seemed to stay well.

“In fairness the last day it was two miles, they flew, and it was soft old ground. I’d say it was all a bit of a struggle and I’d say he’s not too keen on too much of a struggle.

“Today, in fairness, he was tough in the end. He jumped well bar the third last and did it nicely.”

When asked if there could be something in Galway for him he added:- “Possibly. I think you need four runs for the Blazers, he would have been a nice one for that.

“We’ll find something for him in the next few weeks. We’re delighted with today,”