See also » Vautour back on track with facile win
I think he's back to himself. He did what he probably should have done at Christmas. He strode out a lot better and jumped a lot better but I think he could still jump a lot better. He didn't jump as well as he did first time at Navan. It was a very good test. Probably in reality it was a match. The other horse (Real Steel) is rated 140 and has mixed it with the best novices. He put it up to him the whole way down the back and coming to the ditch and yet he was able to shrug him off and go away. I'm happy he's back to himself and think there is more to come. I think it was just a little muscle problem at Christmas. He appeared fine the day before when I left for Kempton but by the time he came to the racing he wasn't right. Two or three days later he was fine. Obviously he'd had a race and made a mistake so he was a little stiff but he came out of the race normally. I said to Ruby today to make sure he was warmed up plenty but he had rode him in a good bit of work since Christmas and was happy with him. We'll see what Un De Sceaux does now. If he does what he looks capable of we'll try and keep them divided. I'll have to see what the other horses do also and talk to the owners. This fella can go out in trip easily or go back. There is a lot of time between now and Cheltenham. He came back here to get back on track. At this stage I wouldn't think he would run again. W P Mullins, trainer

A novice steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards
Weights - 5-y-o 10st 9lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 5lb; Mares allowed 7lb
Penalties - Winner of three steeplechases or of a Grade 3 steeplechase 3lb extra; Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 5lb extra; Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 7lb extra;