Shantreusse could be Cheltenham bound after Grade 3 win

Shantreusse was big and bold at the last as he ran out a convincing winner of the Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle at Clonmel.

The race was marred though with Mr Fred Rogers slipping up before the second last. Davy Russell was on his feet afterwards but the fall sadly proved fatal for the gelding.

At the business end Shantreusse had to work to get past front-runner Eye Van but was on top when producing a fine leap at the last under Rachael Blackmore.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding, sent off 7/5 favourite, went on to record a five length success in the three-miler.

Shantreusse was following up on a wide margin maiden hurdle success at Cork last month.

"He is obviously a real stayer, loved that ground and jumps great. Rachael was brilliant on him and he is a real chaser in the making. It is great to win this and it is a first Grade 3 for Tony (Head, owner) for us,” said de Bromhead.

"It turned into a sprint and I thought we were going to struggle but suddenly he had loads left jumping the last.

"I'm delighted for his owner Tony and his supporters and while I haven't spoken to Tony yet, if the boys have anything to do with it he'll run at Cheltenham!

"We have a good record in this and it is a good prep for the Albert Bartlett. He is really exciting and as long as it's good festival ground, I think we'll be ok."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)