BIG CHAMP THE TRI-DISTANCE HERO AT ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

Favourite backers were in clover after the final of the Slaneyside Kennels Tri-Distance at Enniscorthy on Thursday evening as De Big Champ produced a fine display to emerge a good winner for James and John Nevin.

This was yet another great night at the showgrounds with a big ground making the journey for a benefit night in aid of Cairde Conor. There was exciting action throughout the evening but the headlines went to De Big Champ.

Sent to traps the 4-5 market leader, he survived a couple of early scares to eventually come out on top. Not the fastest into stride from five, he edged inwards early taking a couple of bumps before finding himself a close fifth into the turn but in a precarious position.

He took a hefty bump at this point but somehow managed to slip around in third. Cosy Tiger moved to the front entering the back straight with Rasta Toddy second but neither would be able to contain De Big Champ.

The powerful son of Black Parachute and Nametab Gigi closed on the front pair into the third turn where he moved second behind Cosy Tiger. This left him in the perfect position to strike. Joining Cosy Tiger early in the home straight, he powered on to win by two and a half lengths in 32.06. Cosy Tiger was second with Tech Screw Jimmy best of the remainder in third, a further three lengths adrift.