Following on from Pandorama’s success in Tuesday’s Lexus Chase, Realt Dubh took the Grade One Bord Na Mona with Nature Novice Chase at Leopardstown for Paul Carberry and Noel Meade.
The 4/7 favourite Mikael D’Haugenet finished fifth after a lacklustre performance which saw him jump markedly right at every fence. The 2009 Festival winner never looked happy at any stage of the race; it could be that he is feeling the effects of his last fence fall when he was booked for victory in the Grade One John Durkan Chase at Fairyhouse last time out. Mikael is now pushed right out to 16/1 (from 7’s) for the RSA Chase. Realt Dubh benefited from the last fence fall of Saludos who had led all the way and jumped impeccably until then, certain compensation awaits after his bold show today. Realt Dubh was immediately given a quote of 14/1 for the Arkle from Ladbrokes but it seems he may be campaigned over further than two miles. Noble Prince and Torphichen filled the second and third places.
Guest post by Cathryn Fry
