Thief makes it two from two

Identity Thief made it two from two over fences when getting the better of stable-mate Ordinary World in the Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Bryan Cooper produced the Gigginstown gelding to tackle front-runner Ordinary World going to the last and he got on top in the closing stages.

The 2/5 shot was a cosy length winner at the line as he supplemented his beginners chase victory at the course last month in the Grade Two event.

“Of what we could see of it he looked good. I’m delighted with Ordinary World as well he ran a cracker. We always hoped he’d improve for fences which he has,” said winning trainer Henry de Bromhead.

“Identity was good. Bryan said he was good and he was very happy with him. He said he won comfortably.

“He said they went a good gallop the whole way and he jumped well.

“I think the 2m1f at Leopardstown at Christmas on St Stephen’s Day is the obvious race for him and probably Ordinary World as well.

“We’ll see as I think there is a winners race at Naas just after that so we’ll see what Chris would like to do. But for Identity Thief I think definitely that.

“I’m delighted to get it out of the way and I thought it was a good performance.

“I wouldn’t underestimate the other lad. He was always going to be a better chaser. He never quite saw it out over hurdles.

“When he jumps as well as he does you are always hopeful. You’ve seen it with Special Tiara who was 116 over hurdles and 168 over fences. Our horses can have a tendency to be a low enough hurdler.

“He was only 123 over hurdles but I think he’s a decent horse. We’ve always hoped he’d be a very good chaser and he’s very quick. Two miles over fences like that is his forte.”

Boylesports eased the winner from 8/1 to 10/1 for the Arkle at the Cheltenham festival.