'Hopefully, it is a bit of good advertising' - David Noonan enjoys Grade 1 breakthrough with 16-1 Le Patron

A day of disappointment looked on the cards for Gary Moore after Goshen's last-place finish in the Fighting Fifth, but gloom soon gave way to elation after Le Patron claimed a shock success in the Betfair Henry VIII Novices' Chase.

The 16-1 shot had won on both starts over fences but was facing a tall order dropping back in trip for his first Graded test, with David Noonan stepping in for the sidelined Jamie Moore. 

However, the horse aptly named 'The Boss' produced a commanding performance from the front to hold off the challenge of Colonel Harry to seal a treble for Moore within an hour, with the victory of Nassalam at Chepstow and Spirit D'Aunou in the 2m handicap hurdle ending the trainer's day on a glorious high. 

"It's a surprise to win a race like this today," Moore said. "It was a bit of an ambitious shout and it was a concern going back in trip, but when a horse jumps like he does and goes in soft ground like he does, you have to give it a try.

"Full credit to Jamie, who has done all the donkey work with him, and David gave him a lovely ride. He's very underrated." 

Noonan will be hoping to not stay underrated for long after revelling in his first Grade 1 triumph and just his ninth winner of the season. 

"It will take a while to sink in," the 28-year-old said. "I'm very lucky to have the opportunity to ride a horse of that quality and to go and win is amazing. They were quietly confident beforehand and thought he would run a big race, so I'm glad it all worked out.

"Day-in, day-out you are trucking around and it is brilliant to come to these big days. To have a horse who is competitive and can do the job is even better. Hopefully, it is a bit of good advertising." 

While Moore was quick to give credit to his jockeys, he was also happy to deflect praise towards winning owner Liz Avery, who was forced to be patient through the French recruit's muddling hurdling campaign last season. 

Le Patron jumps the last at Sandown

Moore said: "Liz bought this horse over a year ago and we told her he was a chaser and not a two-mile hurdler. He's proven us right, thank goodness. Not often does that happen but it did today. 

"She's 82 years of age and is an amazing owner and comes to the yard two times a week. She doesn't have children and the horses are her babies, she loves them. When I suggested this race she said, 'Gary, I might not be around for it'. I said, 'You'll be fine'."

Le Patron became Moore's second winner of the race following the success of Ar Mad in 2015 and will chase more Grade 1 glory when he steps up in trip in February. 

"He wouldn't have the pace of Ar Mad but he'll stay better," Moore said. "He'll come back for the Scilly Isles over two and a half miles now. 

"It's been a great day. I love Sandown. It's the best racecourse in the country, especially when you get a horse who jumps like he does. It's a great spectacle."

Favourite Colonel Harry stayed on for second ahead of JPR One, but the race was marred by the death of the Paul Nicholls-trained Iceo, who was fatally injured under Lorcan Williams.  

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