Blue benefits as Steel exits

There was a dramatic finish to the beginners chase at Leopardstown with Real Steel crashing out at the last when upsides, leaving Paloma Blue clear to land the spoils.

Paloma Blue was an easy to back 4/1 shot (from 7/4) in the two-mile-one contest having been fourth on his chase debut at Navan last month.

Mark Walsh, recording a quick double on the card, had his mount to the fore throughout.

He fought it out with 9/2 favourite Real Steel going to the last but that rival fell at the final fence to leave Paloma Blue to come home a cosy six-and-a-half length winner.

“I'm delighted with that. His jumping is still a bit dodgy but he's getting there,” said de Bromhead.

“I'm not sure making it was ideal but we had to on the day because he needs a good even gallop. He seemed to be looking around a lot. He's classy.

“He looked to be going well to the last, I'm not sure what would have happened, but he looked to be going well and I'm delighted he's won.

“He was doing a lot of looking around early on in the race as well and even when he hit the front he was pricking his ears coming down to the last.

“Mark was at him telling him 'we need to focus' but he's funny. I'm just delighted to win and delighted to get it for the Jones'.”

Paddy power shortened Paloma Blue from 20/1 to 14/1 for the Arkle.