Horses don’t come much tougher than thorough stayer Quito De La Roque and the gelding again produced a fine staying performance to complete a double for trainer Colm Murphy and jockey Davy Russell, in the Grade 2 Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan today.

Afterwards Murphy’s father Pat, earlier successful with Voler La Vedette stated “Quito De La Roque enjoyed it out there and heavy going is what he loves.”

He added “he is getting stronger and maybe we’ll take on a bit of good ground at some stage with him. Hopefully he’ll get his right conditions to win another big race or two before the season finishes though. I think he’ll be going to Cheltenham for either the RSA Chase or 'the four miler'.”

Eddie O'Leary, brother of Gigginstown House Stud's Michael O'Leary, subsequently added "Quito De La Roque is more likely to run in 'the four miler' at Cheltenham."

Stan James Bookmakers cut Quito De La Roque to 16/1 (from 20s) for Cheltenham's four mile chase.

Thomas Weekes