Goffs graduate Big Zeb was the star of the show on Day 2 of the Cheltenham festival when landing the Grade 1 Queen Mother Champion Chase in great style, and in doing so becoming trainer Colm Murphy's second Land Rover Sale Champion.
Denying Master Minded a third consecutive win in the two mile feature, Big Zeb put in a superb jumping display under Barry Geraghty, easing into the lead before the last and galloping up the hill under to score by an impressive 6 lengths from last year's Arkle winner Forpadydeplasterer. Kalahari King finished 3 ¼ lengths behind in third, just half a length ahead of 4/5 favourite Master Minded. Big Zeb returned at 10/1.
Big Zeb was bought by his ownerPatrick Redmond at the 2004 Goffs Land Rover Sale, the source of Colm Murphy's former Cheltenham Champion Brave Inca, for €34,000 where he was consigned by Whitehorse Stud.
Following this spectacular victory the nine year old son of Oscar was quoted at 3/1 favourite for a repeat performance in the Champion Chase next March.
Peddlers Cross earlier landed the Grade 1 Neptune Investment Management Novice Hurdle for Donald McCain, making it a Grade 1 double for Goffs on Day 2. Ridden by Jason Maguire, the five year old travelled strongly and after coming under pressure before the straight he was driven to lead at the last and galloped gamely up the hill to maintain his unbeaten record.
Next year's Arkle looks the target for Peddlers Cross, who is also by Oscar. Peddlers Cross was sold as a foal at Goffs December National Hunt Saleby Cloncahir House Stud to Barry Murphy for €10,000.