'He got me out of trouble!' - Mark Walsh heaps praise upon Perceval Legallios after Paddy Power heroics

Patience was wearing thin with Perceval Legallois, who has been a beaten favourite in the Galway Plate and the Kerry National, but his loyal legion of followers were rewarded with a 17-2 success in the Paddy Power Chase under a masterclass from Mark Walsh, who showed his cards last and scooped the huge pot.

The winning margin was somehow seven lengths in the end, as Perceval Legallois finally fulfilled his potential and gave Walsh and Gavin Cromwell their first success in one of the biggest handicaps of the season. It was JP McManus' fifth win in ten years, following on from Minella Foru (2015), Anibale Fly (2017), Auvergnat (2018) and School Boy Hours (2021).

Midnight Our Fred (right) leads Perceval Legallois after the last fence in the Paddy Power ChaseCredit: Caroline Norris

"He got me out of trouble!" was Walsh's response when told he gave the winner a superb steer. "It didn't go to plan. I didn't want to be as far back as I was. They kicked on down the back straight and I was a good bit back, further than I wanted to be, but I weaved my way through and he winged the last.

"I thought coming down to the second-last I had a chance if he kept going the way he was going. I got a great kick out of that because the horse deserved it. He's been unlucky on his last few runs. I knew the ability was there but nothing went right on his last few runs."

Cromwell was chuffed with the ride, saying: "Mark gave him a brilliant ride. He took his time and stayed wide. It's a brilliant race to win and I'm delighted."

Kieran McManus (left) and trainer Gavin Cromwell after Perceval Legallois landed the Paddy Power ChaseCredit: CAROLINE NORRIS

Coolio 10-1 for Supreme after stylish success

Romeo Coolio is very much back in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle picture and 10-1 co-favourite with Paddy Power after a change of tactics did the trick in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle.

Ridden more positively by Sam Ewing than when a beaten odds-on favourite in the Royal Bond, Romeo Coolio survived a scare at the last to beat stablemate Bleu De Vassy by nine lengths.

It was a 99th victory at the top level for Elliott, who said of Romeo Coolio: "Obviously it didn't go to plan the last day and we all went home a bit disappointed, so I'm delighted for the boys who own him. They are back over here today and they enjoyed that. I'm very proud of the horse and the boys who own him as they are big supporters of Cullentra.

"Looking at that, I'd say a fast gallop is what he needs. He looked good there today. We said after the last day we were going to go on and keep it simple. I'd imagine he'll probably go for the Supreme next."

Connell hails 'iron horse'

Barry Connell hailed Enniskerry an iron horse after he won the 2m handicap hurdle at 9-1 under Sean Flanagan.

"It's brilliant to have winners here," Connell beamed. "At Christmas and the Dublin Racing Festival that's where arguably the racing is most competitive, and obviously at Punchestown in the spring," said Connell.

"I love having winners here and that horse is special because we've had him for seven or eight years. He's kind of the pet of the yard. He turns up everyday. He's won on the Flat, over hurdles and fences. He's an iron horse."

Karate strikes a blow for Ryan

Colm Ryan celebrated his first winner when Karate Kid won the concluding bumper at 18-1 under Ray Barron.

Ryan said: "He was very green the first day and the ground was too good for him but he's absolutely turned inside out since. He's quite a smart horse. He got a terrific ride but ran about a bit in front. He's deadly to jump so hopefully has a very bright future. He could be sold now, I have five stores at home and this fella. He's my only one to run at the moment."

Read these next:

Joseph O'Brien hails 'special ride' as JJ Slevin steers Solness to Grade 1 win over Gaelic Warrior

£3,000 purchase Jeannot Lapin springs 150-1 surprise in beginners' chase - and is now 66-1 for the Arkle