Uncle Junior shrugged off an early scare to claim back-to-back victories in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham.

Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by his son Patrick, the 9-2 shot was chasing the leaders through the early stages and was lucky to survive a hairy leap at one of the larger obstacles.

However, he was quickly back on the bridle and threw down his challenge to leader and favourite Balthazar King some way out in the three-mile-seven-furlong contest before getting firmly on top at the last and sprinting clear to win by 11 lengths. Outlaw Pete finished third.

Jackie Mullins, wife of trainer Willie, said: "Patrick won here on him last season, he loves it here. He's run over in France and ran in the Pardubicka three weeks ago, so we're thrilled.

"Willie was wondering whether to run him or wait for the race in December, but he said we'd bring him and it worked. I don't know what the difference was between his last race and this, he just loves it here maybe."

Patrick Mullins said of the bad mistake: "I probably made it look worse than it was. I get a kick out of riding in these races."

Buck Magic (7-1) made a successful debut after moving from Keiran Burke to Neil Mulholland when battling home in the Irish Times Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

"He'll go chasing now," said Mulholland.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests