Disko dances to Grade One glory

Disko ran his rivals ragged in the Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown as Sean Flanagan recorded his first Grade 1 victory in the saddle.

The Gigginstown grey jumped well at the head of affairs in the 2m5f and had his rivals struggling turning for home.

The Noel Meade-trained gelding galloped on well in the closing stages to record a length-and-three-quarter success over Our Duke

6/5 favourite Bellshill fell at the last when well held in fourth.

“It’s a great thrill to have one to jump as well that and it never really looked a problem, he was gaining ground at every fence,” said Meade.

“Everything seemed to be going really well and it’s lovely to be able to watch something like that.

“You would never be confident in a Grade 1 especially with the lads in behind you. You never want to build your confidence up too much but I was happy when he jumped the last alright.

“There was only a half and a half between the three of them the last day and it’s only one good jump really.

“It might have been the trip. That trip seems to suit him and that’ll be the way we go I’d imagine. I’ll talk to Eddie and Mike and see what they say.

“He said the ground wasn’t as bad on that track and he loved it. I was slightly worried because he worked on very soft ground at home last week and I thought he wasn’t as effective on it.

“It was the perfect ride. He jumped great for him and did everything right. He jumped that well he got the others in trouble.

“I’d say Cheltenham ground will suit him alright - the usual Cheltenham ground. I would never think that he would want quick ground. He’s a beautiful moving horse.”

Flanagan added:- "He's had his little bits of problems here and there but today to me he's shown what he is. He's got his jumping together which is the main thing, and got into a great rhythm. He missed one or two here the last day.

"He missed one away from the stands today which he can do when he gets a bit gassy but he was very clever.

"The plan was to get a lead over the first few, and then mosey on away. I think that's his ideal trip once it's strongly run. He can go ahead and make it himself or take a lead.

"It's great to get that first Grade 1 win, although it's taken me a while to get it."

Jessica Harrington later said about Our Duke:-

“I was delighted with him. I think if he hadn’t tripped at the back of the last he would have been much closer. He’s such a tough horse.

“We’ve had a great day so we can’t complain.”

Paddypower made Disko 8/1 from 16/1 for the JLT Chase at Cheltenham