January Jets and Rachael Blackmore© Photo Healy Racing
The fences took their toll in the Paddy Power Games Beginners Chase but up front January Jets (7/2) was good and accurate at the obstacles to run out a comfortable winner.
Some of his market rivals were undone by their jumping, with Jeremys Flame blundering and being pulled up, market leader Defi Bleu under pressure when falling two out and Jungle Junction looking held in second when departing at the last.
The Robcour-owned winner, partnered by Rachael Blackmore, was ultimately chased home, in the owner’s second colours, by Soviet Pimpernel (5/1) with 15 lengths the winning margin.
Morning favourite Klassical Dream was lame and didn’t run.
A point-to-point winner last year for Pat Doyle, the Presenting gelding won a maiden hurdle at Galway in September before being sent over fences. He chased home Envoi Allen at Down Royal and again ran with credit when third to Janadil at Naas.
He’s a half-brother to yesterday’s Grade 1 novice chase winner Colreevy.
Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said: “He jumped well, probably a little bit right, but Rachael was happy with him.
“He’s progressing with every run. We always hoped he’d be a better chaser than a hurdler and it’s lovely to win today.
“We’ll aim for the good novices in the spring.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
