Joseph O’Brien’s stable sealed a Ladbrokes Chester Cup win when A Piece Of Heaven slipped past the field from stall one. The 7‑1 shot, ridden by Irish champion Dylan Browne McMonagle, capitalised on a slow pace that saw front‑runner Duraji fade. O’Brien, a former Classic jockey and now a top trainer, has added another high‑profile victory to his résumé.

O’Brien’s record‑setting career spans classic wins and steeplechase triumphs, and this latest triumph underscores his growing influence on the Irish flat scene. McMonagle praised the horse’s “big stride” and the team’s effort, noting that the challenge was to keep the leader in control until the finish. The result bolsters the trainer’s reputation ahead of the May Festival.

Meanwhile, Ryan Moore rode Lambourn to a narrow Huxley Stakes victory over Bay City Roller, extending the horse’s record to nine wins. The four‑year‑old, who claimed the Chester Vase last year and the Derby double, impressed with a “neck” win that could set the tone for a strong season. Moore’s confidence in the colt hints at future Classics.

Andrew Balding’s Respond added a big boost for Highclere, taking the CAA Stellar Great Cheshire Handicap by almost five lengths. The 10‑11 favourite, trained by Balding, showed a rare burst in stall two, while Oisín Murphy secured a double win in the first two Chester races. The results confirm the owners’ optimism and cement the horses’ places in the May Festival.