Euro Leader justified favouritism in the featured Denny Gold Medal Handicap Chase at Tralee yesterday with a commanding performance, although punters did have to survive a nasty scare at the third last.

Ruby Walsh sat tight as the 7 to 2 chance ploughed through the fence before the straight, but the gelding was soon back on the bridle and appeared to have plenty in hand when beating Ursumman by four lengths.

"He's making progress with his jumping and we'll enter him for the Kerry National. I have my doubts about him getting the trip but the prize-money is tempting," said trainer Willie Mullins.

Andrew Lynch was taken to hospital for X-rays on his arm after Splendour took a heavy fall when still prominent five out.

The Mark Prescott-trained Red Damson followed up his successful raid on Bellewstown last week by taking the Denny Havasnack amateurs race in fine style. The favourite was sent to the front before the straight by Peter Fahey and galloped on strongly up the straight to beat Le Leopard by a length and a half.

"We didn't really know how he would handle the soft ground and I would say he will head back home now," said Prescott's assistant Alyson West, who thanked Patrick Prendergast for stabling the gelding.