Stately run at front of field from big hearted Roi Du Mee at Down Royal

Roi Du Mee produced a typically admirable front-running performance to land the spoils in the Daily Mirror Chase at Down Royal yesterday.

Gordon Elliott’s popular charge was returning to the scene of his greatest triumph having taken the Grade 1 jnwine.com Champion Chase at the track in November 2013.

Bryan Cooper took up his customary position at the head of affairs on the well-backed 9/10 favourite.

The Gigginstown gelding was asked to go about his business after the third last in the three mile, two furlong contest and old rival Foildubh, who had pressed him hard at Fairyhouse last time, cried enough at that point.

Yes Tom was the one to press him but came off the bridle at the second last and could never get on terms after with the French-bred, who stayed on strongly for a 3¾-length win.

It was a 16th career victory for Roi Du Mee and Elliott said: “He’s a great horse and one of my favourite horses in training. He’s not over big, but he has a big heart. We made sure it was a gallop.

“He’s in the English and Irish Nationals and the Imperial Call Chase at Cork, but if there’s no rain, he won’t run.

“I wanted to go cross-country with him, but Michael [O’Leary] wouldn’t let me as he has a soft spot for him.”

Rubi Light may not be the force of old but he still retains plenty of ability and the 10-year-old made it back-to-back wins with a game performance in the Arctic Tack Stud Veteran Handicap Chase at Wexford.

He’llberemembered threw down a strong challenge after the second last and looked like he might prevail going to the final fence.

A better jump there handed Rubi Light the advantage again, and he stuck on doggedly in the closing stages to post a three-parts victory under Andrew Lynch.