Paddy proves class act Castlegrace Paddy dismissed a decent looking field in some style when landing the Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase at Thurles today. Andrew Lynch tracked the leader Cadmium on Pat Fahy's charge and he jumped up to dispute four from home in the Listed contest. The 11/2 shot led going to the next and had his rivals at work turning for home. The Flemensfirth gelding only needed to be shaken up briefly on the run-in to beat 5/2 joint favourite Jett by a cosy three-and-three-quarter lengths. The other market leader Montalbano was under pressure in third when unshipping Paul Townend at the second last. "His preparation didn't have the one last gallop you'd like but his mobility was unreal and it was the first time I've ever seen him right in himself,” said Fahy. “He had been stiff and sore after his last run in December but had no issue for the last six weeks and I could start into training him. "He should come on tonnes from this and he'll probably run in the Grade 1 two mile novice chase at Punchestown next. “He likes being fresh and we'll keep him fresh for Punchestown now - he's exciting and he deserves a lash at the Grade 1." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
