Allaho easily books his ticket for Cheltenham

Allaho booked his ticket for the Cheltenham Festival when landing prohibitive odds in the Book Your Easter Festival Tickets Online @Fairyhouse.ie Beginners Chase.

The Cheveley Park Stud-owned gelding was competitive at the top level over hurdles last season and readily got off the mark here over fences at the second attempt.

The 2/5 favourite made all under Paul Townend and, after putting in a safe round of jumping, was in command in the straight to score by an easy 21 lengths from Milan Native

Walk Away could find no extra from two out finishing a further two and a half lengths back in third.

There was a bizarre false start prior to the 2m5f event as Atlantic Shore (25/1) refused to line-up but then consented to go with the others just after being withdrawn.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said, “From what I could see it looked like he jumped great. Paul just thought he was getting a bit tired the last day and jumped left.

“I'm happy with him and I'd imagine he will take up some engagement at Cheltenham after that, we'll see whether he goes for the RSA or the Marsh Chase. I'll have a word with Paul and see what he says. At least that is job done, it's a bit later in the season than we thought but it's done.

“I doubt he'd run again before Cheltenham. I'll have a chat with connections but I wouldn't think so unless Paul thought he needs another day out.”

Townend said, “He's a big horse, big animal. He met most of them fairly spot on and did what I hoped he'd do in Leopardstown. He came on a lot from that run.

"To be honest going to the last ditch in Leopardstown I was a bit worried and he did well to get as far as he did. He put it right today.

“He's very good to jump, he knows what he's doing, and has loads of scope when you want him as well.”

Betfair cut Allaho into 6/1 (from 16/1) for the Marsh Novice Chase and go 12/1 (from 16/1) for the RSA.

(GC & AM)