Heroes dazzles at Leopardstown

Anyone not in the No More Heroes fan club before, likely is now, as the well-bred Presenting gelding took his score to three from three over fences in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

He only faced three rivals, two of which were also in Gigginstown House Stud ownership, but one couldn't but be impressed with the way Bryan Cooper's mount jumped his opponents silly and careered away up the run-in for a nine length verdict over Rule The World Monksland s jumping let him down and he was eighteen lengths off them in third. There was half a length to Wrath Of Titans last of the four.

Paddy Power now go 3/1 favourite No More Heroes from 4s for the RSA Chase.

"He's proper big old fashioned chaser," stated successful handler Gordon Elliott.

"Bryan said he was a bit sloppy but the bit came back in his mouth turning down the back and he never missed a beat after.

"He's a bit like myself, he just eats and sleeps. He's very laid back and I'm very lucky to have him. He's a proper horse and hopefully we'll have a lot of good days with him.

"Cheltenham never let it get too quick and he was just beaten there last year so hopefully we'll go back.

"Gigginstown have a lot of horses and need to split them up so he'll get an entry in the JLT, RSA and the four-miler. I'm sure Jamie Codd wouldn't mind riding him!"

When asked to compare with Don Cossack, Elliott commented: "Don Cossack would be a more classy horse with more speed. He is more an out-and-out stayer and jumping is his game. He's a good horse."

(GC & EM)