BANBRIDGE swooped late to nab Captain Guinness on the line in the William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown on Tuesday.

Jockey J.J. Slevin gave a great ride to the 6/1 winner, who struggled to keep up with the likes of Dysart Dynamo, Dinoblue and Captain Guinness over the two-mile trip.

Captain Guinness, winner of the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, looked to have the race in the bag when seeing off the hot favourite Dinoblue with a spectacular jump at the last fence, but his stamina started to give out in the closing stages and Banbridge closed him down to win by a neck in a photo-finish.

The winner is trained by Joseph O’Brien for owner Ronnie Bartlett.

Slevin said: “There was no pressure on me, I was riding him to run well and it’s great when it works out. We waited all season for good ground for this horse. Joseph’s patience has been unbelievable.”

O’Brien added: “J.J. gave him a great ride, he saved it all for where he needed it but I wasn’t sure he had won even after they crossed the line. Ronnie was patient all through the autumn and winter when the ground was not right for the horse. He told me to wait for the big day. Ronnie’s patience is what won the race for us today.”