Thurles Results Sun, 19th Jan, 2020

See also » Steel proves too good for Footpad
I was disappointed with Footpad but I think he ran too free and the pace was a little bit slow. The two horses up front weren't jumping at the speed you'd expect in a race like this. Footpad did too much in the middle mile of the race and missing the omitted third last fence didn't give him a chance to get his breath back which left him exposed. I was very pleased with how Real Steel jumped and how he stayed on and he is improving. Voix Du Reve improved from his last run as well. I'd imagine the Ryanair Chase is the plan for Real Steel. Paul said he was as straight as a dye today and there was no bias (jumping left or right). We were concerned before but we have to be looking at the Ryanair Chase with that performance. Footpad could possibly do the same but today was not his run. Maybe he had too hard a race in Kempton and it may have impacted on him. W P Mullins, trainer

D.E. Mullins, rider of Voix Du Reve (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount had a good look at the second last fence.

A steeplechase for six years old and upwards
Weights - 11st 3lbs ;Mares allowed 7lbs ;
Penalties - to count from 1st July, 2018 Winner of three steeplechases or a Grade 3 steeplechase 3lb extra Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 5lb extra Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 7Handicapper.