Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup (Grade 3)

AFTER watching Willie Mullins run riot for most of the day Gordon Elliott then joined his great rival on the seven-winner mark as Chosen Mate produced a display that would befitted a seasoned handicapper as opposed to one stepping out of beginners’ chases for the first time.

Under another vintage and ice cool Davy Russell ride, the strongly supported 7/2 favourite bided his time towards the rear of the field but there was a certain menace about the way he was travelling from some way out.

Indeed when the Northern Four Racing Partnership-owned gelding, a son of Well Chosen, cruised into contention turning the writing was on the wall for his rivals.

Chosen Mate, who won a Gowran beginners’ chase on his last start, eased into the lead between the final two fences and despite getting into the bottom of the last he recovered his composure to defeat his stablemate Eclair De Beaufeu by a length and three parts.

Great week

“It’s been a great week. To come here and have the horses run so well is great. The winner got a great ride from Davy and the second ran very well too,” commented Elliott.