Simply Ned is likely to head straight for the Queen Mother Champion Chase following his fine run in Ireland.

Trainer Nicky Richards is thinking of not running his consistent two-miler again before Cheltenham in March after he put in another sound performance to finish third to Twinlight in the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown on Saturday.

"He ran another fine race. He's a real, solid racehorse. He's everything you want in a racehorse - consistent and always does his best. You can't ask for any more," said the Greystoke handler.

"He's fine and we'll just take our time with him.

"I'm not sure if he'll run between now and Cheltenham. I don't see why he shouldn't go for the Champion Chase. We seem to be in a year when we're getting a different result in all the two-mile chases each time.

"The big boys (Sire De Grugy and Sprinter Sacre haven't appeared yet, and the younger brigade might not be regarded as superstars but they are making it a very exciting year for everybody.

"Hopefully my horse will have his day as well. I think he will have one and he'll deserve it when he does."