Cheltenham Gold Cup ambitions for Rubi Light and Quito De La Roque received a serious blow as British raider Synchronised won the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.
Last season’s Welsh National hero was sent to Ireland in preference to defending his crown at Chepstow on Tuesday, and it was a decision that paid off as the 8-1 chance produced a superb display under Tony McCoy.
Rubi Light led his rivals into the straight, with Quito De La Roque close by, but the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Synchronised swept past that pair with remarkable ease to secure an 8-1/2-length Grade One victory.
Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: “That’s brilliant, I couldn’t be more delighted.
“Jonjo has done a fantastic job and he got a great ride.
“I thought the ground might be too quick for him but he handled it really well.
“He had 11st 11lb (75kg) in the Welsh National at Chepstow and it was going to be a slog, so we made the decision to come here.
“He gets the trip and he jumps, and he’ll get an entry in the Gold Cup.
“He’ll also get an entry in the English Grand National.”
McCoy added: “We were a little worried about the ground drying up, but Jonjo was happy to come here for him.
“He’s got great stamina, and that’s really what brought out the best of him.
“If he does happen to run in the Gold Cup he won’t disgrace himself.”
PA AAP TURF
