Pierce Powers’ Burning Ambition bounced right back to form to take the 2m4f Remus Uomo Hunters Chase at Down Royal on Saturday.
A slightly disappointing third on his last start in open company at Belharbour, the eight-year-old left that performance behind him here to run out an impressive winner in the hands of Rob James.
Never too far away from the pace, last seasons’ Cheltenham Foxhunter’s favourite picked up the running after the third-last and soon pulled clear of the field.
Owned by the consortuium of Tynan/Maclennan/Carthy/Shanahan/Magnier, the gelding idled somewhat up the run-in but ultimately won well here.
Somewhat interestingly, this was only Rob James’ second winner under rules, although the Wexford native is one of the countries leading point-to-point riders with 179 winners in that sphere.
The consistent Sidetracked filled the runner-up spot here for Gearoid O’Loughlin and James Hannon, staying on stoutly to the line.
Like A Demon gave a much-improved account of himself to finish third, with Hi Murphy and Winged Leader finishing fourth and fifth respectively.