Racing:Garde Champetre repeated his win of 2008 in the Glenfarclass P.P. Hogan Memorial Cross Country Chase at Punchestown. Sent off the 1-4 favourite for Enda Bolger and Nina Carberry, it was not all plain sailing for favourite backers.
The dual Cheltenham Festival winner tracked Lord Nellerie into the straight and had to be hard ridden to take that rival’s measure before running out a three-and-a-half-length winner.
Frank Berry, owner JP McManus’ racing manager, said: “Garde Champetre got the job done but wasn’t as sharp as usual. He isn’t getting younger but jumped adequately and while we’ll see how he comes out of this, the Cross Country race at Cheltenham will be his next step.”
Gordon Elliott looks to have another smart youngster on his hands in the shape of Roi Du Mee after his easy victory in the Follow Us On Facebook Novice Chase. Bob Lingo was sent into a huge early lead by Mark Walsh and at halfway it looked a case of how far he would win by.
However, Davy Russell had bided his time on the Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old, and he took up the running before the turn into the straight. Russell was motionless as the 9-4 favourite eased clear for an 11-length win over Bob Lingo, who just held off Healys Bar.
Elliott said: “Roi Du Mee did it well and, like a lot of mine at the moment, seems to be improving a lot. He has really come on a lot in his last couple of runs and will go for Grade Two Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase at Naas on February 20 next.”