Some Plan takes a dramatic Arkle

Just four went to post for the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown but there was no shortage of drama with Some Plan the only one of the quartet to complete the course.

The Grade 1 victory capped a great few days for owner Roger Brookhouse and trainer Henry de Bromhead who also landed the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park on Thursday with Champagne West, while de Bromhead later made it a Grade 1 double on the day with Petit Mouchoir in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle.

Stable-companion Identity Thief got no further than the first where he unseated David Mullins, and Barry Geraghty suffered the same fate on Bleu Et Rouge at the third fence. Royal Caviar jumped his way to the front early in the back straight, and appeared to be travelling best with a length advantage when falling at the last.

Some Plan was left to come home alone under Davy Russell at odds of 100/30.

Four runners, but plenty of drama at @LeopardstownRC as Some Plan comes home in splendid isolation to land the Irish Arkle: pic.twitter.com/BxGvtL54KY

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 29, 2017

De Bromhead said, "He was a 145 over hurdles and is now 3 from 4 over fences and a Garde 1 winner so you can't fault him.

"I'd say he will go for the Arkle now at Cheltenham. He's entitled to go now, and Roger loves to have runners at Cheltenham. It's been a great week for the Brookhouses.

"He fell at the second last in Cheltenham when going well so things have turned around our way today.

"It was disappointing that Identity Thief went at the first. He's generally a brilliant jumper and it was just a silly mistake. Hopefully we will get him back on track in the coming weeks."

Paddy Power and Betfair Sportsbook both quote Some Plan at 20/1 for the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham.

De Bromhead added, "We are leaning towards the Gold Cup with Champagne West but we would want a bit of ease in the ground for him. The handicapper has put him up 12lb to 166 so he is one of the top rated staying chasers in Ireland now."