THE manner of victory wasn’t quite in keeping with his position as the 1/3 favourite, but the former Cheltenham Festival hero, Farclas, retained his unbeaten record over fences in the BetVictor-sponsored novice chase.

Following wins at Punchestown and Down Royal last month, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned grey was shouldered with a 7lb penalty for an assignment that featured a clash with fellow Triumph Hurdle winner Ivanovich Gorbatov.