In the £65,000 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, French cross-country star Easysland denied Tiger Roll’s bid for a fifth victory at The Festival this afternoon, as winning rider Jonathan Plouganou recorded his first success.
Easysland (3/1), who was bought privately by J P McManus after winning a cross-country chase at The International at Cheltenham in December, and has since won a race at Pau in France, saw off Tiger Roll (8/11f) in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.
The double Randox Health Grand National winner tried his best but became tired in the ground and finished second beaten 17 lengths. Third-placed Out Sam (33/1) was another 15 lengths adrift.
The winner completed a 119/1 treble for McManus following earlier victories by his Champ and Domaine De Compagnie.
Winning trainer David Cottin said of six-year-old Easysland:
“I was expecting a good run from him. The heavy ground was in his favour. He’s a horse who is extremely well balanced and, while he is only a six-year-old, with a cross-country horse you have to train them when they are young over those jumps. We have been very patient with him as were his former owners. That has paid off.”
4.10pm Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
1 Easysland (J P McManus) David Cottin 6-11-04 Jonathan Plouganou 3/1
2 Tiger Roll (Gigginstown House Stud) Gordon Elliott 10-11-04 Keith Donoghue 8/11f
3 Out Sam (Mr D Charlesworth) Gordon Elliott 11-11-04 Mr Jamie Codd 33/1
14 ran
Distances: 17, 18
