Dreal Deal back to winning ways on debut for Rothwell Former graded hurdler Dreal Deal returned to form when making a winning stable debut for Philip Rothwell in the BoyleSports Daily Money Back Meeting Handicap Chase at Killarney. Rated 145 over hurdles in his prime with Ronan McNally, the gelding won twice over fences for John McConnell in more recent years. However, having lost his way of late, the 10-year-old beat only one horse home in a Sligo Claiming Hurdle last month. Subsequently bought into privately by Rothwell, that proved to be an inspired move, as the gelding showed plenty of guts and determination back over fences this afternoon. Dropped out in rear by Simon Torrens, the 28/1 chance was smuggled into the race from early in the straight. Going second after two out, Dreal Deal led on the run-in to beat Gaelic Arc a nose. Philip Rothwell said: "That is a massive surprise and that's my first run with him. I saw he was in a claimer in Sligo last month for E15,000 and I bought into him myself privately after the race. I knew some of the lads involved and they asked me would I like to buy a share in him and to train him." He added "we've changed things around, he is living in a paddock on his own and we've done a lot of different little things with him. I was hoping for a confidence-building run so it was far from expected, but I think we can build on it. "I have him six weeks, we haven't worked him hard and he is a lovely horse. He is a famous horse and was a very cheap horse to buy into. "I just thought his run at Aintree (in April) was very good, he looked like he had problems on his two later runs but, for me, he looked an obvious horse to have a go with. I love these older horses, the owners were great to give me a go and it is a great prize to win." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
