Madara and James Reveley win the Ryanair handicap Steeplechase Listed Healy Racing © Photo Healy Racing
Madara gave visiting British trainers a rare winner at the Dublin Racing Festival when proving much too strong for the home team in the Listed Ryanair Handicap Chase at Leopardstown.
Victorious at Cheltenham on his most recent outing in December, the Sophie Leech trained five-year-old added to that win when staying on strongly from the last fence under French based jockey James Reveley.
The well backed 4-1f travelled nicely on the heels of the leaders after jumping two out, moving closer to throw down a challenge to leader Pats Choice on the run to the last fence. Leading over that obstacle, the gelding showed a smart turn of foot to readily pull two-and-three-quarter lengths clear of the staying on Path D'oroux
Winning trainer Sophie Leech said:- “He's a fantastic horse and I'm so happy. My son Ed and my husband Christian do all the race planning and this fitted timing-wise.
“We are used to travelling as we have more runners in France than we do in England. It looked like a really nice opportunity and Bryan (Drew) and all the lads involved were really keen to come over and have a go.
“We're a very small yard and the team at home work tirelessly so thank-you to them. We're delighted.
“We're staying for the racing tomorrow so it'll be a good old night tonight!
“We've had runners at Punchestown before and love coming over here.”
When asked if he could for the Grand Annual she added:-
“We were thinking of the Plate for him (at Cheltenham) because we thought he'd like a step up in trip. He was beat over the old course and I think the new course suits him better. I don't know now because he looked to have plenty of pace there. It's a nice problem to have."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
Paddy Power went 8/1(from 14/1) Madara for the Grand Annual Chase NRNB.
