Galvin takes Cheltenham novice contest in style Irish raider Galvin strengthened his claims for the National Hunt Chase at next year’s Festival with a wide-margin success in the Matchbook Better Way To Bet Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham today. Runner-up in the novices’ handicap chase at the showpiece meeting in the Cotswolds last season, Gordon Elliott’s charge had since won each of his three starts over fences, including a Grade Three at Tipperary this month. Stepping up to three miles for the first time, the 2-1 favourite jumped well in the main under Robbie Power and looked better the further he went — passing the post with seven lengths in hand over Soldier Of Love. Paddy Power make Galvin the 7-1 favourite (from 10-1) for the National Hunt Chase, which Elliott had previously identified as a target. “I suppose he was entitled to do that. He was fit coming in here and he has got the rating on his run at the Festival last season,” said the winning jockey. “He hit a few flat spots, but once I gave him a squeeze every time he came back on the bridle. “The step up in trip (in the National Hunt Chase) will bring about a little bit more improvement. I think he stays all day and I think Gordon has the right target for him in March. “After that, the Irish Grand National would be right up his street.”
