Slade Steel reverts to hurdles to land Grade 2 success A return to hurdling saw Slade Steel win for the first time since the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, as the Henry De Bromhead claimed the Grade Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Winless from six attempts over fences, the Robcour owned gelding had run well when sixth in the Jack Richards Handicap Chase last time. Switched back to the small obstacles here, the eight-year-old travelled well under Darragh O'Keeffe, before sweeping to the front two out. Quickening clear between the final two flights, Slade Steel went on to win by one-and-three-quarter lengths. O'Keeffe said: "Yeah, he was brilliant. It feels like a long time since he won the Supreme now. Tried chasing and he had a couple of good runs. "He was actually running a blinder this year in Punchestown and got brought down at the fourth last and, just his auld confidence went a little bit again. "I thought he ran well at Cheltenham the last day, It was a great call by everyone to bring him back over hurdles and, cheekpieces on for the first time." Henry De Bromhead added: “We’re really happy with that, delighted for the horse. “He was a bit unlucky at Punchestown at Christmas to get brought down and he just didn’t seem to love the old chasing so we’d said we’d pop back to hurdling. “It’s great for Robcour, the horse and everybody.” When asked if he’d stay over hurdles now he added: “I would guess so. He’s made a pretty strong case for it. “He travelled so well, he probably idled a little bit when he hit the front but he was brilliant. “He was only just chinned in a beginners chase at Navan on bottomless ground over three miles so he’s proven he probably gets that, on a bit nicer ground. “He’s got a lot of class as well, so we’ll see.” On the possibility of going to Punchestown he said:- “We’ll see what the lads want to do now, we’ll enjoy today. “I’m slightly kicking myself that we didn’t try it sooner (hurdling) but it’s brilliant to see him back. He really enjoyed it and hopefully there is loads of fun ahead with him.” Paddy Power went 20/1 Slade Steel for the Stayers Hurdle. Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
