Balko Des Flos seals Ryanair Chase

Balko Des Flos delivered a victory in the Ryanair Chase for owner Michael O'Leary at Cheltenham.

Un De Sceaux was the favourite going into the race and Balko Des Flos had to show some determination to pull away in the closing stages.

The seven-year-old went on to seal the victory by four-and-a-half lengths, with Un De Sceaux in second and Cloudy Dream coming home third.

Trainer Henry de Bromhead felt the conditions may not have suited, but his charge went on to prove his ability and deliver a first ever Ryanair Chase for O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud.

De Bromhead said: “Fantastic, delighted – a brilliant ride. You had to give him a chance, obviously, but I got a bit worried when the ground went soft.

“I thought his run at Christmas was very good and the lads (Gigginstown House Stud) said to put him away and go for this.

“Davy gave him a brilliant ride and he was super.”