'He's back on track' - outsider of three Visionarian comes good in depleted PWC Champion Chase

Visionarian emerged from the wilderness to land a depleted PWC Champion Chase, as the first Grade 2 of the jumps season in Ireland was reduced to just three runners from an original field of eight after declaration stage on Thursday. And it was the outsider of three who emerged victorious under a shrewd steer from Sean Flanagan, who showed his hand last and scooped the pot on the 100-30 shot, who was belatedly returning to his best form for Gavin Cromwell.

Cromwell, who can do no wrong at the moment and fresh from a Kerry National success with Flooring Porter, said: "Things certainly hadn't gone to plan since we got him as he wasn't right. That said, I was confident enough he'd run well but didn't expect him to win. I know the race ended up with only three runners, but we'll take it and he is now a Grade 2 winner.

"The Galway Plate was initially the plan, but he just wasn't right at that time and then was well beaten the last day, but he is back on track now."

Bresil does the business

Apple’s Of Bresil opened his account over jumps in emphatic fashion in the 2m4f maiden hurdle for Barry Connell and Michael O’Sullivan.

The 4-6 favourite made every yard and coasted to a comfortable victory by six and a half lengths, and Connell will now step him up in class.

The trainer said: "He's a galloper and it's great to get that done. We'll have a look at the Monksfield Novice at Navan next month if the ground is suitable and not gone heavy."

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