David Christie, who has already enjoyed hunter chase success with Winged Leader, Some Man and Dylrow continued his good run this season as On The Sod justified his price at the top of the market when storming home 14 lengths clear of rivals to capture the 2m 7f contest at Downpatrick.
Fresh from his win in the Kim Muir Chase at Cheltenham, Wexford based rider Rob James gave the eight-year-old a supremely confident ride, as he tracked the leaders for much of the race, before making his move at the fifth obstacle where he then went to the head of affairs.
A better jump at the last saw James' mount pull clear of the rest of the field, holding a wide advantage on the run in, as he showed a nice turn of foot when getting the better of 100/1 shot Castlebawn Rose.
The son of Ask has won all three of starts in points and has now added today’s success, his first under rules to his CV, preserving his unbeaten record.
"He's kind of a very underestimated horse. He's shuffly and not a great mover and a very plain, workmanlike horse," said Christie.
"When the ground gets good, and it is just borderline for him now, I'd have to stop with him and that would be it. You couldn't run him on good ground,”said Christie.
"That's four from four now. He's just a tremendously strong horse - he just gallops and gallops. That hill is made for him.
"He actually would be far better going left-handed where he won at Kirkistown (point-to-point) the first day.
"I decided I would run him at Armagh (Farmaclaffley point-to-point) to see if we could come here. When he handled Armagh, I thought we might get away with running here.
"Next year there is one winner and two winner hunter chases but that is a long way away at this time."
