Leopardstown Result

See also » Richebourg grabs another Leopardstown Grade 1
He jumped well on the whole and when he had to clever he was. Mark gave him a lovely ride and he was very cool on him,. There was a bit of drama throughout the race. I was delighted he was able to avoid that and he put in a good round of jumping. They went strong and fast and it tested a lot of horses' jumping. He was good an clever at the last. Obviously he made a little mistake at the last here at Christmas and it was good to see him learn from that. A bit of nice ground is important to him. He was a good hurdler, he was fifth in the Galway Hurdle and we were a bit disappointed with him but the form of the race has worked out unbelievably well since. He's very exciting and I'm delighted. He's won over two-and-a-half so he can go two-and-a-half. It think he needs a strong pace and we'll stick at two for the time being. We'll see how he comes out of it but the Arkle now would make a lot of sense. It's going to be an even bigger test there and there'll probably go even faster. I couldn't be happier and winning a Grade 1 is massive. Us And Them ran a cracker and he jumps well. He's an outstanding jumper and would have a chance of going to the Arkle as well. Aintree might suit him too. We'll see how they come out of it and make a plan then. Joseph Patrick O'Brien, trainer

Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for the second last fence to be omitted from this race and the remainder of the card.

A novice steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards
Weights - 5-y-o 11st 5lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 10lb; Mares allowed 7lb