Dubh shines in Craddockstown

Realt Dubh produced a polished display of jumping in the Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown to banish the memory of his fall at Galway last month.

Davy Condon cruised into contention on the 4/7 favourite and he hit the front at the third last. Gates Of Rome followed him through but try as he might he couldn't peg back the winner, who stayed on well from before the last to record a six-length victory in the Grade 2 contest.

There was 11 lengths further back to Jigalo who was a never threatening third.

"He just spotted a shadow in Galway approaching the fence and Paul (Carberry) said it was only when he went out for the next race and seen it at that fence that he worked out what had happened," revealed Meade afterwards.

"Davy said he'd be better over two-and-a-half and he would delay his challenge and come from behind.

"When he got to the front he was all over the place. The Drinmore is the plan now all being well.

"You hate to say any horse is a great jumper but he's very good in close or going long. He's a very nice horse."

Labrokes gave the winner a 25/1 quote for the Arkle Chase while Stan James priced him up at 33/1.