YOUNG jockey and college student Mark McDonagh enjoyed a day he will cherish forever as Birchdale provided him with his biggest winner to date and his first success over fences when claiming the €125,000 Bulmers Secret Orchard Leopardstown Handicap Chase for Enda Bolger and J.P. McManus.

A very smart sort when trained by Nicky Henderson, Birchdale ran an excellent sixth in the Paddy Power Chase. The promise of that coupled with a drop back in trip to an extended two miles, five furlongs and his rider claiming a very useful 7lb off bottom weight ensured that Birchdale was returned the 9/2 favourite in search of a first win over fences.