'Wind op' helps Droim beat

The Donie Hassett trained Droim Toll (16/1) gained his first win since defeating Lion Na Bearnai over the Grand National course in January 2011, when winning the Breakfast With Hector On 2fm Handicap Chase at Punchestown today.

Ridden by Davy Condon, the gelding raced from 4lbs out of the handicap but nonetheless stayed on well from the last for a three parts of a length win over Smoking Aces

The win was Droim Toll's fourth long distance chase win and his first since claiming the scalp of Lion Na Bearnai at Fairyhouse last year. That day, Droim Toll defeated Lion Na Bearnai (who famously improved dramatically to win this year's Irish Grand National) over the Grand National trip (3m5f) by seven lengths when also conceding 9lbs!

After today's success, Clare based Hassett reported “we got Droim Toll done for his palate and that made the difference. I was afraid the ground was gone for him as he needs it soft - we'll probably leave him off now.”