Blackstairmountain certainly has taken to fences well as he recorded his second win in as many starts over them in the feature race at Leopardstown this afternoon the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase.
The odds-on 4/5 favourite Bog Warrior crashed out at the fourth fence bringing down stable mate Gift Of Dgab in the process.
The David Pipe trained Notus De La Tour under Robbie Power lead the field on the run to the last but couldn't deal with the winner's turn of foot as he stormed up the straight to score by two and a quarter lengths under Paul Townend. Foildubh was best of the rest a further two and half lengths back in third at 25/1 under Robbie Colgan.
Winning trainer Willie Mullins said afterwards: "We are getting our share of luck today after Sir Des Champs in Limerick (Knockfierna ran out at second last when leading) and with the favourite falling (Bog Warrior) here.
"This fellow has a lot of gears and Paul was delighted with what he produced after the last.
"Fences seem to be bringing out the best in him and he will probably come back her for the Arkle before going to Cheltenham in March."
Stan James now go 16/1(from 25/1) about the winner for the Arkle at Cheltenham in March with William Hill quoting 12/1 (from 16/1), Sean Graham 16/1 while Boylesports are best priced at 20/1 (from 25/1).
