Gun Digger blasts back to form with 'cheery' ride from Brouder

Gun Digger, without a win since landing a beginners' chase over the same course and distance at the 2018 Christmas meeting, bounced back to form with a two-and-three-quarter-length victory in the 2m5f handicap chase at Leopardstown.

The Gordon Elliott-trained eight-year-old had failed to complete on six occasions since his previous win and Elliott said: "That's a bit of a surprise as he had lost his way but bottom weight of 9st 10lb was a big help, and he jumped very well.

"I'd never met Gavin Brouder until today and he had never ridden for me. But he gave the horse a cheery old ride and impressed me. He's good value for his 7lb claim."

Gun Digger was the second leg of a double for Elliott who also landed the 2m2f mares' novice hurdle with Larquebuse.

Given an easy time by Davy Russell from the final hurdle, Larquebuse was still ten lengths to the good at the finish.