Fury Road and Jack Kennedy (centre) jump the last to win from Run Wild Fred (white cap) and Vanillier (red)© Photo Healy Racing
Fury Road powered clear in the closing stages to run out a convincing winner of the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown, leading home a one-two for trainer Gordon Elliott.
9/4 favourite Run Wild Fred made most of the running in the three-miler but was joined by his stablemate after the second last as Vanillier also tried to stay with them under pressure.
Fury Road went on as they bypassed the last fence and asserted in good style in the closing stages to record an eight-length win.
The winner had been third to Beacon Edge in the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse last month and Elliott said:-
“That was great. He disappointed me the last day, I thought he had a great chance in the Drinmore but he kind of pulled up when he got to the front.
“I put cheekpieces on him today and it seemed to work well. Jack was sweet on him though and the bit of drier ground probably suited him.
“His novice hurdle form was very good. If you go back to that run against Monkfish and Latest Exhibition, that was very good form.
“Jack said when he got to the front at the second last he said 'oh no he's there too soon' but in fairness to him he came up the hill well.
“Jack has always been riding well and if we can keep him in one piece is the thing.
“I wasn't here last year because I had covid so this week has been pretty good! It's been a great week and I hope we're not finished yet.”
On Run Wild Fred he added:- “I'd say he could do with ten more jumps the way he jumped, he was brilliant. He would have been a good winner if you took yer man out of it.”
Boylesports introduced the winner at 10/1 for the Festival Novices' Chase at Cheltenham. They also go 10/1 for the National Hunt Chase having been 25/1.
