De Bomhead's Slade Steel wins bumper finale

Point-to-point winner Slade Steel landed Punchestown's concluding Irish EBF Auction (Pro-Am) Bumper today, scoring smartly for trainer Henry De Bromhead, jockey John Gleeson and owners Robcour.

A Dawstown point-to-point winner last May for handler Pierce Power, the son of Telescope was subsequently bought privately by the Acheson's family's Robcour operation.

Showing good ability quickening past a pair of well-backed Willie Mullins trained runners, he defeated stablemates Captain Cody (7/1, from 12s) and Blizzard Of Oz (1/2f) by a half length and three-parts of a length, providing jockey John Gleeson with a second bumper success in as many days.

Robert Power, representing De Bromhead, said “he won a point-to-point last year and we really liked him since he came. He does everything nice and has plenty of pace. That was a perfect starting point and John gave him a lovely ride.

“He’ll stay in bumpers this season and will probably have one more run, a max of two, and will make a lovely novice hurdler next season. We’ll have to talk to Robcour and see if they want to go for the Cheltenham bumper with him. There is also the bumper here at the Festival so there are lots of options.

“John said he was very green and ran in snatches in places. He said he’ll improve a lot from it. He’s a nice horse to look forward to.”

Quotes from Alan Magee