Hidden Cyclone wins Tied Cottage Chase

Hidden Cyclone gained a deserved and overdue win in the featured Grade 2 BoyleSports Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown today, with bookmakers later cutting his price, for the second time this week, for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March.

Regular rider Andrew McNamara had few moments of concern on the son of Stowaway who made all and stretched clear of his rivals from the second last fence, for a five lengths win over Bright New Dawn

Heading Hidden Cyclone's growing fan club is his trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon who, sounding hoarse, later stated "I couldn't be happier - we're so used to being second so it's good to come here and win.

"The better ground helped; they were giving it as heavy two days ago but it dried out a lot in the last couple of days.

"He jumped well today, never put a foot wrong, and I'd say that's the best he's ever jumped.

"He also did something today which he hasn't ever done and that is settle; Andrew (McNamara) said going to the start he thought there was something wrong with him but we've done a lot of work at home getting him settled and I have to thank my staff who have put in a lot of work."

"Over two miles he's good and he has plenty of cruising gears and I'll to speak to the owners but I'd say the Queen Mother is the plan and he'll go straight to Cheltenham now."

Hidden Cyclone, which races in the colours of the Galway based Mee family, was recording his first win since Listowel in September 2013. Days Hotel which trailed the field, was subsequently found to have burst a blood vessel.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson