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Rudi has Nolan dreaming of Cheltenham

Prince Rudi (left) challenges Whodoyouthink at the final flightPrince Rudi (left) challenges Whodoyouthink at the final flight
© Photo Healy Racing

Stephen Nolan is dreaming of a first runner at the Cheltenham Festival next March after Prince Rudi landed the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Qualifier for the Kilcock trainer at Leopardstown this afternoon.

A maximum field of 30 went to post for the three-mile stamina test and Whodoyouthink (25/1) made a bold bid from the front, and had his rivals well stretched approaching the straight.

However Ian McCarthy steadily reeled in the leader on Prince Rudi (20/1), and got on top on the run-in to beat the front-runner by a hard-fought half a length. Stonemaster (25/1) was a further two lengths back in third, with Organisedconfusion (6/1 jt fav) completing the placings in fourth.

Nolan said, “He’d a great run the last day at Fairyhouse, although the two and a half miles was on the short side. The plan was to run here once he came out of that okay and qualify for Cheltenham.

“He looked a million dollars today, and I wasn’t afraid of the ground. The bit of rain last night meant it wasn’t too sticky. Ian gave him a great ride.

“The original plan was to go back chasing but I’ve never had a runner at Cheltenham before so hopefully he’ll get in and the ground won’t be too fast.

“I’d also like to thank the owner John Prunty who is a great supporter of mine, and has had horses with me for a good few years.”

1st
20/1
Tote €18.70 €3.40
2nd
0.5L
25/1
€12.00
3rd
2L
25/1
€12.20
4th
0.75L
6/1JFav
€1.90
About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.