First Gold laid claim to the title of top chaser after
destroying a quality field in the Martell Cup Chase at Aintree today.
The 7/4 favourite sealed victory with a spectacular leap three out to power away from Legal Right, who had seemed the main danger from the turn for home.
Thierry Doumen kept the JP McManus-owned gelding up to his work all the way to the line to beat Lord Noelie, who eventually ran on for second by ten lengths. Legal Right had to settle for third - eight lengths further back.
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See More Business proved a major disappointment and was beaten a long way from home.
"He's amazing," said Doumen. "He jumps so well and how can you say he wouldn't have won the Gold Cup after that?"