Steel strides clear to land opener Real Steel made it two from two in completed starts over fences when powering clear in the closing stages of the opening rated chase at Thurles this afternoon. Willie Mullins' charge had tipped up at the last when disputing on his chase debut at Leopardstown over Christmas but has now won his two starts since. He went to post a 10/11 shot for today's two-mile-two contest as he sought to follow up on his easy success at Fairyhouse last month. Paul Townend had his mount to the fore throughout and he went for home after the second last. The French-bred galloped on strongly from the final fence to post a 10-length win over Landofhopeandglory. "The ground is plenty quick out there and he stepped again from his previous chase win,” said the winning rider. "His novice hurdle form was good and he is making into a nice chaser." Real Steel had won his maiden hurdle at the course in November 2017 and was making his first visit to the Tipperary venue since. (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
