Racing: Gordon Elliott's Roi Du Mee continued in fantastic form with his fourth successive victory in the Holden Plant Rentals Chase at Tramore.
Only four went to post in the Listed race but his opponents included the former Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Tranquil Sea and Willie Mullins’ smart mare Blazing Tempo.
Roi Du Mee was sent off the even-money favourite on the back of his easy victory over subsequent big-race winner Colbert Station previously, although that was over hurdles.
Davy Russell kicked on half a mile out but Tranquil Sea looked a big threat turning into the short home straight for the final time. However, a big leap at the last from the favourite sealed the contest and he eventually ran out an impressive seven-and-a-half-length winner from Tranquil Sea.
“I’m mad about him. We tried to up him in class last year but he wasn’t able for it. He is very good at this level,” said Russell. “He loves the conditions and he is a real trier. He jumps well but when he meets one wrong you just have to sit quiet and he’ll figure it out for himself.”
It was a second winner of the afternoon for Russell who also scored on Charles Byrnes’ Milborough in the Waterford And Tramore Supporters Club Maiden Hurdle.
Off the track for 401 days, he was nevertheless sent off the 5-2 joint-favourite and ran out a two-length winner.
“He won it well and he will probably go for a handicap now,” said Byrnes. “He has been off the track for a while with pulled muscles in his back. He stays well and I think he will improve from this run.”