Alpha unchanged for RSA after workmanlike success

It was workmanlike rather than flashy and it was a performance that kept last season's World Hurdle runner-up Alpha Des Obeaux as an unchanged 8-1 shot with Paddy Power for the RSA Chase after an uncomplicated success in the 2m6f beginners' chase.

The presence of the Mouse Morris-trained horse in the opening contest ensured racegoers did not have to wait long for a quality performer to appear, even if they were robbed of an intriguing clash of Gigginstown novices when prospective chasing debutant Prince Of Scars was taken out due to a stone bruise.

Ultimately, Alpha Des Obeaux won in comfortable style under David Mullins, putting in a fine round of jumping and picking up when he had to in beating Round Tower by a length and a half.