Dreaper's Notre Pere creates history

WELSH NATIONAL REPORT: JIM DREAPER'S Notre Pere created history by becoming the first Irish-trained winner of the Welsh National at Chepstow on Saturday.

The 16 to 1 winner was among a group of half a dozen with a chance halfway up the straight and took a definite lead from Sherwoods Folly when Andrew Lynch fired him over the second-last fence.

It was then plain sailing for Notre Pere, who defeated the Paul Nicholls-trained Cornish Sett by seven lengths. Last year's runner-up Halcon Genelardais was third, with Nicholls' Officier De Reserve fourth.

Notre Pere attracted various quotes for the Grand National but trainer Jim Dreaper was quick to rule out Aintree. A jubilant Dreaper, who trains 32 horses with the assistance of his son Tom, said: "He's an out-and-out stayer at the early stage of the learning curve. But he's developing and had done really well since his win at Navan.

"We went missing for many years with regard to having horses at the top end, but this is a good, honest horse. If I have my way he won't go there (Aintree) this season. He needs at least another year but I might give him an entry for the Gold Cup.

"There's always the chance we could get extreme conditions, like when Desert Orchid beat Yahoo, in which case we might regret not putting him in it."

Owners Pat and Tillie Conway were represented by their son, Jarlath, who also subscribes to the Cheltenham idea. He said: "I wouldn't rule out the Gold Cup. He would love it coming up the hill, but he'd need to progress.

"We had this race planned out for him. We knew the track would suit, with its five fences in the home straight.

"I knew the way he was travelling and jumping he'd be right on the premises. We came here with plenty of confidence and I'm delighted for Jim Dreaper and the staff back home."

Dreaper revealed his assistant and jockey had spotted the Welsh National as the race to go for. He added: "My son Tom and Andrew Lynch told me in September where this horse should go. He's a real old-fashioned tough and honest horse."

Paul Nicholls was delighted with the performances of Cornish Sett and Officier De Reserve. He said: "They both ran great races. Cornish Sett will be aimed at the Grand National but I think Aintree might come a year too soon for the other horse."

Alan King was pleased with Halcon Genelardais, winner of the race in 2006. He said: "It was a great run, he's run a blinder under that weight."

Last year's winner Miko De Beauchene was an early casualty, unseating Andrew Thornton at the second.