Cromwell doubles up with Perceval Legallois

Perceval Legallois repeated his victory of two years ago in the Listed Race And Stay Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The eight-year-old gelding is well used to the hurly burly of a big field, so 24 rivals weren't going to inconvenience him.

His white cap was sighted making headway after two out and he was pushed along by Mark Walsh to tack on to the heels of the leaders before the final obstacle.

His kept up his momentum to lead narrowly in jumping the last and was given the office in the final 150 yards to run out the winner by a length and a-half. Gaoth Chuil performed more than creditably in second at 10/1. The progressive Flicker Of Hope (8/1) banked a good cheque in third, a head in front of Rushmount (20/1).

This brought up a double with Gavin Cromwell who said: “You wouldn’t think he was after running over fences, he was very nimble over hurdles.

“Obviously, he was off a lower mark. I thought coming here that he was a better chaser than a hurdler, but you can’t argue with that.

“He’s in the National and sure you’d have to consider it.

“It’s fantastic, it’s so hard to be competitive here so to win two races is brilliant.”

Walsh added: "Fair play to Gavin for bringing him back over hurdles on a better mark.

"He won this race two years ago and he is in right form.

"More or less (everything went to plan) - it was a bit messy down at the start, but I was always kind of happy where I was. I went out three or four wide, just wanted fresher ground, and it paid off."

Perceval Legallois reverted to hurdles after winning the Paddy Power Steeplechase at this track over Christmas.

Cromwell took the preceding Grade 1 juvenile hurdle on the card with Hello Neighbour

Paddy Power shortened Perceval Legallois from 33/1 to 20/1 for the Grand National.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson