O’Loughlin hoping for first graded win with Lapin Trainer Gearoid O’Loughlin is hoping that Jeannot Lapin can provide him with a first Graded race winner in the Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan this afternoon. The giant son of Doctor Dino recorded a 150/1 shock when making a successful debut under Rules in the Paddy Power Beginners Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting and was far from disgraced subsequently when fourth to Majborough at the same venue in the Grade 1 Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase. The six-year-old, who stands at over 18 hands high, faces four rivals in the Grade 3 ‘Flyingbolt’ with Champ Kiely likely to prove his biggest threat. “We are looking forward to running him and it looks a good opportunity,” said O’Loughlin to broadcaster Dave Keena. The Wexford-based trainer added, “He’s only six and we weren’t too keen on going to Cheltenham with him. If he had a nice run at Navan, then Aintree or Punchestown might be on the cards. “We put him in the Arkle at Cheltenham in case the Grade 3 came up really strong then it could make sense to travel over and get kinder ground, but Saturday looks a good opportunity for him to be first or second.”
