English/Ire
JPR One runs Scottish Champion Chase rivals ragged
JPR One ensured that Joe Tizzard’s first ever runner at Musselburgh was a winner when making virtually every yard of the running to claim the bet365 Scottish Champion Chase on Saturday.
A dual winner at Grade 2 level, Jpr One headed north of the border looking for a first success in 2026 having finished third when trying to defend his Haldon Gold Cup crown before two creditable efforts at Ascot and Cheltenham.
The nine-year-old jumped with aplomb out in front in the hands of Brendan Powell and although those in behind were always close enough to mount a challenge if good enough, none could match the finishing kick that JPR One possessed going down to the last.
A good leap at the final fence ensured connections had the race in safekeeping and he galloped on well under a welter burden of 12stone to see off Tommy's Oscar by two- and three-quarter lengths. Traprain Law finished back in third, while Paul Nicholls' well-fancied 100/30 chance Insurrection never travelled and was ultimately a well-beaten last of eight.
Joe Tizzard told the PA: "I'm absolutely chuffed with that, he's a horse that has to carry a lot of weight in handicaps, but we've done it before and it's worked a couple of times.
"He really had his day today, we came here for the ground, and he loved stepping up in trip and he really showed his class.
"The best thing Brendan could have done was just let him go off in front, he was skipping along and he really enjoyed.
"It's cracking prize money and he's made it really worth the trip."
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