It all finally comes together in style for Perceval Legallois

Perceval Legallois finally put it all together in a big race to land the 200,000 Euro Listed Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown today.

After their Grade 2 success together at Limerick with the Derek O'Connor-ridden Bioluminescence J P McManus and Gavin Cromwell combined for another major win on day two of the Christmas festivals.

Mark Walsh soon had Perceval Legallois racing in the rear of mid-division, before he made headway in seventh before two out.

From there he made relentless progress, leading in the closing stages and staying on strongly to beat Midnight Our Fred by seven lengths.

Galway Plate hero Pinkerton performed with huge credit again to take the third spot, two lengths back.

“This horse has threatened to win a big one for a long time. He kept going up in the handicap and I thought his chance was gone to be honest,” said Cromwell.

“Mark gave hima great ride, he took his time and stayed wide for the better ground. It's great.

“It's a brilliant race to win. It fell right for him today. They went a right good gallop, he took his time and everything fell right for him. He jumped well and settled lovely.

“I don't know would he be an out-and-out three-miler on soft ground, he's not slow.

“I don't know where he goes now, we'll enjoy this one anyway.”

The Raceday Stewards received a report from Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Starter, Mr. D. Cullen, that K. Callaghan, rider of Aime Desjy (FR) had disobeyed his instructions. Evidence was heard from the starter and rider concerned. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that K. Callaghan was in breach of Rule 208(v)(b), in that he had not complied with the instructions from the starter and having considered his record in this regard (second offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended K. Callaghan for two racedays.

D. King, rider of Lucid Dreams trained by John Patrick Ryan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was pulled up injured.

Anna McGuinness, rider of Klarc Kent (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount never travelled.

(GC & EM)