IT has been a frustrating season for Mala Beach and for his connections Chris Jones, Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell.

Off the track for almost a year, the Beneficial gelding fell early on his seasonal debut in the race that Sir Des Champs won at Thurles in November. Second in a graduation chase at Ascot in December, he again found one – My Murphy – too good in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park last month, after looking a likely winner turning for home.

Then on Saturday, it looked like he was travelling like a winner in the Grade 2 Bobbyjo Chase when he came down at the second last fence.

It seems like he has been around for a while, but he is only eight and Saturday’s race was just his seventh over fences.

There should still be good days in him.