Value At Risk one for the festivals

Value At Risk looks a horse with a bright future after he showed in class in winning the bumper that closed Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival.

The four-year-old Kayf Tara gelding was the subject of good comments from his trainer Philip Fenton who said: “He’s a beautiful horse and he really rose to the occasion today. The form of his Fairyhouse win was very good.

“It was different tactics today and he travelled better. He’s another chaser in the making and I’d say we’ll be looking at Fairyhouse or Punchestown rather than Cheltenham.” Fort Smith was all the rage with punters as Gordon Elliott’s Presenting gelding in the Gigginstown colours was hammered down to even money from 7/4 this morning. He went off at even’s but couldn’t go with Value At Risk and Drago with a furlong to go and had to settle for third.

Value At Risk (7/4) was never far off the lead and assumed that position just over two furlongs from home. Richie Kiely kept him going as he hit the line two lengths up on Drago (14/1).

Additional reporting by Alan Magee