Carlingford arrives late to take Topaz Chase

Updated: Sunday, 29 Dec 2013 15:49 | Comments

Tony McCoy drives Carlingford Lough (l) in the final stages of the Topaz Novice Chase

Carlingford Lough seized the day in a blockbuster finish to the Topaz Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

The John Kiely-trained seven-year-old forged clear of Morning Assembly along the run-in to provide Tony McCoy with another Grade One success.

Bright New Dawn and My Murphy had made most of the running, but Morning Assembly, the 11-8 favourite, travelled better than that duo and took the lead at the last fence under Ruby Walsh.

Pat Fahy's Grade One-winning novice looked set fair for another top-level success, but McCoy's mount had been spotted making encouraging progress three out.

Carlingford Lough (5-1) emerged from the chasing pack after the last and threw down a sustained effort which yielded a narrow verdict at the line.