Review LEOPARDSTOWN 14TH JAN

Grinkov justified his market positon at the head of affairs in the featured Pierse Handicap Hurdle to provide former champion Charlie Swan with his first win in the race formerly run under the Ladbrokes banner.

The fourth favourite to oblige since the race became a handicap in 1976, Grinkov was supported from 7/1 in places during the afternoon before going off the 11/2 fav.

Pat Hughes, who saddled four runners for the feature, was overjoyed with the winner, who carries the colours of the eight-strong Anns Backer Syndicate!

'I bought him for 62,000 gns at Doncaster and he's only finished out of the money once (Down Royal) since I got him. I favour the Sun Alliance Hurdle for him in March,' said Hughes of Grinkov, who came home 3L clear of Ricardo.

Charlie Swan reported, ' I was always travelling well and got a great run through turning for home. He jumped very well and did it in great style.'

Different tactics reaped handsome dividends for connections of top-weight Micko's Dream in the supporting Pierse Chase when the Willie Mullins-trained 9yo scored in the hands of championship leader Ruby Walsh.

Normally a front runner, Walsh settled Micko's Dream (5/1) in behind from flagfall before wearing down a gallant Nuzum Road Makers over the last and staying on to defeat fast finishing Shannon Gale.

'We decided to change the tactics today and that was an exceptional performance from both horse and rider. Ruby settled him beautifully and was brilliant,' said a jubilant Willie Mullins.

Favourite backers started the session on a bright note when Bust Out (1/1f) scored with the minimum of fuss under Barry Geraghty.

Jessica Harrington, fresh from a skiing holiday, was reluctant to commit herself regarding Cheltenham plans, 'He'll be put in both the 2 1/2m and 2m and will be better on better ground. He'll have one more run before the festival.'

Ross Moff earned a 12/1 quote (from 20's) for the Sun Alliance Chase after a near flawless winning debut over the larger obstacles in the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group Chase.

Conor O'Dwyer was content to hold the 2/7f chance at the rear and despite a slight mistake at the penultimate fence loomed up ominously alongside Idiot's Star down to the last before forging away to score on the bridle.

The victory of Michael Hourigan's 25/1 shot Mr Sneaky Boo in the 30 runner handicap hurdle put paid to many jackpot permutations but for one lucky syndicate the day proved a memorable one.

With eight runners covered going into the final including eventual winner Wicked Crack they scooped a dividend of #34,057 after Joe Casey partnered the 9/1 chance to land the spoils.

Michael O'Brien's 4yo newcomer Beechcourt justified his tall home reputation when sprinting clear in the straight to win the final.

A 3rd win for Naas-born Gary Walshe (20), who described the winner 'like an aeroplane', Beechcourt is now best priced 8/1 with Chronicle and as low as 4/1 favourite with Paddy Power for the Cheltenham bumper.

BF