Rire takes Grade 3 in fine style

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Eklat De Rire made it two from two over fences with a fine round of jumping to land the Grade 3 Novice Chase at Naas this afternoon.

Rachael Blackmore 's mount made every post a winning one in the three-mile-one contest as he lobbed along in front and pinged his fences.

He had his rivals at work down to the second last and the Saddex gelding galloped on strongly. He was always holding Escaria Ten to record a length-and-three-quarters success.

Eklat De Rire cost £110,000 after winning a point-to-point and after finishing second on his 'track' debut at Punchestown last February won his maiden hurdle and beginners chase.

“He was deadly and is improving all the time. I couldn’t have asked for any more,” said de Bromhead.

“He handles an ease in the ground well. He’s a big heavy topped fella and, while we have never run him on it, I’d say he wouldn’t want it too good.

“Festival ground should be fine for him. I’ll have to speak to the owners but we said if today went well we would aim for the Festival Novice Chase at Cheltenham.

“He stays well and he jumps well. He was impressive there and I’d say he deserves his chance after that.”

Kevin Brouder performed some serious acrobatics after Forza Milan blundered at the last and shot him into the air. After looking set to come out the side door he recovered his balance to finish fifth.

Absolutely unbelievable!

Take a bow, Kevin Brouder 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/QzwKPFwBVD

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 31, 2021

In another display of fine horsemanship Philip Enright jumped the last fence on Foxy Jacks without any reins. They had come loose after a mistake at the penultimate obstacle.

Eklat De Rire was cut into 10/1 from 20/1 by Betfair and Paddy Power (Non-Runner No Bet) for the Festival Novices' Chase at Cheltenham while they make him an 8/1 shot (from 14/1) for the National Hunt Chase.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)