Irish Point © Photo Healy Racing
Irish Point was cut into 4/1 from 16s by the sponsors for the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle after an emphatic success in the Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle.
Mind you, so steady was the gallop set by the indolent Home By The Lee that you couldn't say the winner, sent off Evens favourite, proved his stamina for three miles.
Having tracked the leaders, the Joshua Tree gelding eased to the front before the last and was just nudged out by Jack Kennedy to beat fellow grey Asterion Forlonge by 11 lengths.
“Jack said he would have done more in a piece of work at home,” said trainer Gordon Elliott of the Robcour-owned winner.
“He was very professional, settled and done everything great.
“You are always worried stepping up to three miles. It's a nice race to win, we've a couple for that division now and it's a good problem to have.
“We've a great bunch of horses and Jack said to me there that all I have to do now is to make sure to split them up.
“He could be a horse that we'd keep for Aintree, we'll enjoy today and see what happens. The horse was very good and I thought it was a great performance.
“I thought he was so relaxed that he ticked all the boxes to stay but you are always nervous until he does it.
“Jack said he actually though halfway down the back that he was so relaxed but he said when he gave him a squeeze he leapt straight back on it.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
