'Our main aim is to try to get back to Cheltenham' - Grade 1 hurdler Buddy One makes successful start over fences

Buddy One made a winning start over fences for trainer Paul Gilligan as he swatted away two rivals en route to a seven-and-a-half-length victory in the 2m6½f Guinness Chase, justifying 2-7 favouritism in the hands of Jack Gilligan.

The seven-year-old acquitted himself admirably in top company last season with a fourth-placed effort in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham before finishing runner-up to Strong Leader in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree and fourth again behind Teahupoo at Punchestown.

Buddy One made a winning return after five months off in his new discipline, jumping soundly and settling the race quickly with a burst of speed after the last to overhaul Flanking Maneuver with Another Choice running on for second.

“He jumped great, he was clever and shortened when he had to,” said the winning trainer. “Where we go from here, I don’t know, but obviously our main aim is to try to get back to Cheltenham. He’ll definitely face stiffer opposition through the winter, but that was a lovely experience for him."

Double for O'Leary

Trainer Ger O'Leary saddled a double as 4-1 chance Jabbar caused a surprise in the opening 2m½f maiden hurdle when getting the better of 1-9 favourite The Enabler by two lengths under Michael O'Sullivan.

The winner had been running consistently well in Flat handicaps, scoring at Roscommon and Killarney this year, and was making a winning hurdles debut.

Wee Charlie justified strong support in the 2m3f handicap hurdle with the 8-11 shot coasting home by seven lengths under Jack Kennedy to complete the double.

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