See also » Yorkhill-proves-class-act
He takes a good grip. He jumps a bit left but that suits around here,. Ruby rode him with confidence but he was obviously very strong when he took up the running going into the back straight. We thought there was enough pace in the race but he managed to change gear and made the running. Ruby was just holding on to him in front. He jumped well and did what he had to do. We thought we would be getting a lead from the two in front but obviously our fellow’s cruising speed is a lot higher than theirs which means we could come back in trip if we want. His pedigree and everything suggests he could go out in trip but whether he’s too strong to go a longer trip or not I don’t know. At least he got today’s job done and we’ll look forward to wherever he goes the next time. I’ll get him home now and see. I’ll have a chat with Ruby to see whether he wants to go again with him. Experience is no harm for those novice chasers. He’s easy enough to train but a challenge to ride. David Casey rides him in the morning and he settles well. He gets him on his own. When you try to keep him in company might be the issue but he’s not as bad as a lot of other horses. I’m not trying to interfere with his jumping much and I’m hoping with more experience on the track he’ll get out of that habit. He makes enough ground jumping and he’s got a good engine so I’m not inclined to interfere with him much. W P Mullins, trainer

A novice steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards
Weights - 5-y-o 10st 9lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 1lb; Mares allowed 7lb
Penalties - (handicaps excluded) Winner of two steeplechases 4lb extra; Of three steeplechases or of a Grade 3 steeplechase 7lb extra; Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 9lb extra; Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 11lb extra