TIDAL BAY SECURED a surprising, breathtaking win in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on Friday.

Ruby Walsh was on board the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding, who passed several rivals on the run-in to snatch the win from First Lieutenant and leave both Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs trailing just behind.

It was owner Graham Wylie’s second Grade One win on the card, after Back In Focus landed the Topaz Chase.

Afterwards, Walsh said: “He jumped the second-last well and I got through the gap going to the last. He was really finishing and I thought I had a chance of getting to them.

“He was a bit flat-footed at the last and he took time to pick up, but when he did he started to fly and I guess 100 yards down I was thinking I was going to get there.

“Everyone was in the same boat. We all knew Flemenstar’s stamina had to be tested and Midnight Chase went a good honest gallop and the tempo was upped all the way. It was a real true-run contest.

“He’s a different horse this year. He won at Wetherby, was second in the Hennessy at Newbury and has come and won today. It’s brilliant.”

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