Attribution leads over the last just ahead of Briar Hill (left) and the partly-hidden Three Stars© Photo Healy Racing
Just four went to post for the Grade 3 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Klairon Davis Novice Chase at Navan but it proved a thrilling spectacle with Attribution coming out on top.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding won a point-to-point for Gordon Elliott at Durrow back in 2014, and opened his account over fences under rules in a Naas beginners chase last month.
Bryan Cooper ’s mount was well-supported on track from 11/2 into 4/1, and was one of three horses in the air together at the penultimate fence.
The Alhaarth gelding held a slight advantage over the last, and kept on well on the run-in to beat the odds-on Briar Hill by half a length.
The front-running Three Stars also kept on under pressure on the run-in and was just another half a length back in third.
De Bromhead said, “I’m delighted with that. He battled really well. He’s quite lazy throughout so I’m just delighted to see him battle. It was a super ride from Bryan and he jumped well.
“They both ran a blinder, Three Stars also under a 6lb penalty. They both ran really well and I’m delighted with both of them to be honest. They both jumped well and I’m really pleased.
“Attribution might even get a bit further and we might look at the novice chase in Limerick for him.”
(GC & AM)
