tracked leaders, 5th early, dropped towards rear 5 out, weakened after next, tailed off
close up in 2nd, disputed lead briefly 3 out, 2nd and ridden 2 out, soon outpaced, left moderate 4th from last
tracked leaders, 3rd before halfway, dropped to 5th when slight mistake 4 out, 4th and driven along 2 out, 6th and one pace straight, left moderate 5th from last
tracked leaders in 6th, close up 3 out, ridden next, 4th early straight, left 3rd last, stayed on
always behind, ridden and weakened before 5 out, completely tailed off
tracked leaders, mostly 3rd, close 5th 3 out, smooth headway after 2 out, 2nd and closing when left in lead last, stayed on well
led, joined briefly 3 out, led again before 2 out, soon ridden, strongly pressed when fell last
raced wide, 6th halfway, progress into 4th 4 out, 3rd and ridden 2 out, soon challenged, left 2nd at last, kept on same pace under pressure
Irish racing is waiting for a new star over fences and it could be that MIKAEL D'HAGUENET fits the bill. The brilliant Ballymore Novices' Hurdle and Champion Novices' Hurdle winner was in the process of making a successful start to his much-awaited career over fences when toppling over at the final fence in the Grade 1 Drinmore at Fairyhouse, handing the race to Jessies Dream with today's rival Realt Dubh in second. The form has already been franked by the Grade 1 success of Bostons Angel, who had finished a long way back in fourth at Fairyhouse. Useful hurdler Noble Prince made an impressive start over fences at Punchestown and has plenty more to give while Torpichen looked a very nice chasing prospect at Clonmel and will be better suited than most by the testing ground.
Gates Of Rome (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders in 3rd, 4th 4 out, improved into 2nd after 3 out, ridden and no impression from next, kept on under pressure, 2nd of 5, 6l behind Realt Dubh (11-4) at Punchestown 2m nov chs Grade 2 (1) in Nov.
Loosen My Load (IRE) 7-2 (11-8) Led until after 4th, chased winner, pressed from before 3 out and every chance, pushed along when not fluent 2 out, soon well held, weakened and no impression when lost 2nd final 100 yards, 3rd of 5, 10l behind Ghizao (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs Grade 2 (1) gs in Nov.
Mikael D'haguenet (FR) 6-4fav (11-10) Tracked leader in 2nd, disputed briefly entering straight, narrowly headed 2 out, disputed and appeared to be travelling best when fell last, in a race won by Jessies Dream (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft, 9 ran.
Noble Prince (GER) 9-10fav (11-12) Settled behind leaders, 6th halfway, headway in 4th 4 out, improved to challenge 2 out where hampered, challenged last, pushed out to lead run-in, eased home, won at Punchestown 2m beg chs in Oct beating Healys Bar (11-12) by 1 3/4l, 8 ran.
Pay The Bounty 9-2 (11-10) Raced in 3rd, challenged 2 out where slight mistake and left 2nd, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Quadrillon (11-3) at Gowran Park 2m 4f nov chs hvy in Nov.
Realt Dubh (IRE) 9-2 (11-10) Held up in rear, 7th 4 out, good headway on outer into close 3rd before 2 out, no impression approaching last where left 2nd, kept on one pace, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Jessies Dream (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft.
Saludos (IRE) 6-4fav (11-12) Led and disputed, led 6 out, challenged 3 out, ridden 2 out, kept on well from last, won at Navan 2m beg chs sft in Nov beating Lucky William (11-12) by 7l, 11 ran.
Torphichen 11-8fav (11-12) Tracked leader in 2nd, closed up on leader entering straight, led 2 out, ridden clear before last, kept on well, won at Clonmel 2m 1f beg chs beating Cadspeed (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 15 ran.
