Neville Hotels Novice Chase |
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| Grade 1, Leopardstown 13:55 €85,000 added, 4yo plus, 3m, Class 1  |
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| Saturday 29th December 2018 | |
1 Delta Work 8/15F
2
Mortal 7/1
3
Blow By Blow 10/1
7 ran Distances: 8l, 10l, ¾l
Time: 6m 2.30s (slow by 20.30s)
Delta Work delivers for Gordon Elliott
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Gigginstown House Stud, dominated the race with five of the seven runners, but it was Gordon Elliott’s Delta Work who emerged the victor.
It looked like turning into an intriguing battle approaching the last as Joseph O’Brien’s Mortal was laying down a stern challenge.
However, he made a mistake while Delta Work flew it for Davy Russell and the race was over as a contest.
The 8-15 favourite pulled eight lengths clear to land his second Grade One of the season, with his biggest danger coming when he was almost brought down by the early fall of his stablemate Ben Dundee.
“He was probably lucky as Ben Dundee nearly brought him down early,” said Elliott.
“Davy said he’s gone very idle and he wasn’t doing a whole lot from the second last until after the last when he gave him a thump.
“He said the ground is as quick as he wanted it. He was just a bit careful early.
“He’s a lovely horse. I put a hood on him and he’s actually gone very relaxed now which is great, I’m going to leave it on him.
“Davy was happy enough. We were lucky Joseph’s horse made a mistake at the last, but Davy was happy enough that he had still plenty in the tank.
“I’d imagine he’ll come back here (for the Dublin Racing Festival), that looks the obvious route for him.
“It’s nice to get another Grade One and we’re very happy.
“It’s probably a good thing that he’s settled now, to be getting three miles. He’s a good horse, he was a 150-rated hurdler and he loves a battle as well.
“I’d imagine he’ll go down the RSA Chase road.”
Neville Hotels Novice Steeplechase
3m, Race Value: €85,000
7 ran
Going: Good
| Pos | D | Horse SP | Jockey Weight | Trainer | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Delta Work (FR) 8/15f | D N Russell 11-10 |
G Elliott | 5 | |
| 2nd | 8 | Mortal (IRE) 7/1 | M P Walsh 11-10 |
Joseph P O'Brien | 6 |
| 3rd | 10 | Blow By Blow (IRE) 10/1 | J W Kennedy 11-10 |
G Elliott | 7 |
| 4th | ¾ | Moonshine Bay (IRE) 14/1 | R M Power 11-10 |
Mrs J Harrington | 5 |
| 5th | nk | Judgement Day (IRE) 10/1 | Rachael Blackmore 11-10 |
H De Bromhead | 6 |
| 6th | 20 | Nick Lost (FR) 14/1 | D Robinson 11-10 |
H De Bromhead | 6 |
| F | Ben Dundee (IRE) 16/1 | M A Enright 11-10 |
G Elliott | 6 |
