Dempseys could be Cheltenham bound with Derrinross

Following on from his Grade Three victory earlier in the month Derrinross (7/2) stepped up to Grade Two company to land the Sky Sports Racing Launching January 1st Novice Hurdle at Limerick for the father and son team of Philip and Luke Dempsey. Dorrells Pierji (2/1 into 6/4 favourite) was expected to the main one here for Willie Mullins but it was his stable companion Pleasure Dome (6s out to 8s) that showed up best for Closutton.

They all stacked up to have a crack at all-the-way winner Derrinross from before the straight.

Pleasure Dome didn't get her required racing room on the inner and it was Defi Bleu that gave the winner most to do.

Three parts of a length eventually split them and it was the same margin to the unfortunate Pleasure Dome in third.

"He did it the hard way and he didn't jump as well today but Luke said he was looking around in front," said Dempsey senior.

"He came out of his race well the last day and we were very happy with him. I was sort of thinking the others underperformed at Cork and he obviously had to step up and he was also giving away weight.

"We might have to look at bigger things now and while we mightn't get a wet spring, if he gets soft ground he could run at the Dublin Racing Festival. I'd be fond of going to Cheltenham, I've never been there, and if he got soft ground he'll run in the Albert Bartlett. I think he'll be better with a stronger gallop.

"He's had plenty of issues and thankfully now he has bounced out and hopefully tomorrow he'll be the same. We've had a great Christmas."

At the request of the Stewards, P. Townend, rider of Dorrells Pierji (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was disappointing and unable to account for the reason.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Dorrells Pierji (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be coughing post race.

(TW & EM)