Jalon D'oudairies enhances Cheltenham bumper claims with impressive display

Jalon D'oudairies cemented his position towards the head of the market for next years Cheltenham Festival Bumper when powering clear of his rivals to win the concluding Plusvital Flat Race at Leopardstown.

A point-to-point winner at Lingstown in March, the Gordon Elliott trained gelding justified favouritism on his rules debut when landing a Fairyhouse bumper earlier this month.

Sent off 9-4 second favourite this afternoon, Harry Swan sent the four-year-old straight to the front from flag fall.

Leading early in the straight, he looked set to be headed when Patrick Mullins loomed up alongside on 11-10f Redemption Day However, the latter horse was unable to get by the eventual winner, finding him a tough opponent once getting into a battle.

Swan found a more than willing partner who dug deep to stay on powerfully to prevail by two-and-three-quarter lengths.

Gordon Elliott said: "He's our Cheltenham bumper horse.

"We think he is nice. I thought he showed some attitude to have to make the running, we didn't really want to.

"What I loved from two furlongs to the pole was hands and heels and he just stretched the whole way. He picked up well.

"I thought it was a good performance.

"He'll go straight there (Cheltenham), Jack Kennedy booked and all ready to go!"

Paddy Powers went 8-1f(from 10-1) Jalon D'oudairies for the Cheltenham Bumper.