Captain rules supreme in dramatic Champion Chase

Captain Guinness took full advantage of a race ending fifth fence mistake from odds-on hotpot El Fabiolo to land a dramatic Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase for Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead and his stable jockey Rachael Blackmore.

Sent off at 17/2 despite finishing second in the race behind Energumene, the Declan Landy owned nine-year-old took the lead off the home turn, and after Ednwardstone hit the deck at the second-last, the winner faced one final stiff task.

After jumping the last in front, there was one final challenge from Gentleman de Mee, but under a drive from Blackmore, her partner, who was having his fourth at the Festival saw it out to win by a length-and-a-half.

It was his 14th run in a grade one that became a winning one as it gave Henry de Bromhead his fourth win in the day two feature after first winning the race with Sizing Europe back in 2011.

A delighted winning rider, Rachael Blackmore said: “He travelled incredible and jumped really well for him. It was a long run up the hill. It’s an incredible win for his owner and I am so pleased for him.

He has been knocking on the door in big races and it’s incredible that he has finally peaked in a big one. It’s an unbelievable win for Henry and the team. It’s some race to win and I am delighted to win it with this horse. It’s so enjoyable. Its magic.” His trainer Henry de Bromhead said: “I’m absolutely shocked and delighted as well. I was shocked when El Fabiolo made the mistake, but it made the race wide open. I felt that we had a chance after that. It’s just amazing for the horse and for his owner.

“He got a great ride for Rachael. It’s amazing and we are just delighted.”