Cheltenham Bumper winner Pizarro confirmed his position as one of the leading Irish novice hurdlers when easily landing odds of 2/9 at Down Royal today. The six-year-old gelding, absent since a disappointing third to Solerina at Navan in December, struck the front early in the straight and drew clear before the final flight to beat My Name's Not Bin by 20 lengths.
"I'm happy and relieved," was trainer Edward O'Grady's immediate post-race reaction. He added: "I was disappointed he could not run in the Deloitte & Touche at Leopardstown last Sunday but it would have been too big a step going for a Grade 1 at his current level of fitness. If he does have another run before Cheltenham, then it will be in the Johnstown Novice Hurdle at Naas on February 23."
Memories of 1999 Martell Grand National hero Bobbyjo were very much to the fore after Kings Glen took the opening beginners chase for Tommy and Philip Carberry. Bobbyjo won his first chase at the track and Kings Glen carried the same red and yellow silks to victory when catching Kadoun in the closing stages.
Wexford handler Paul Nolan and Michael O'Brien both recorded doubles on the afternoon. Veteran Wyn Wan Soon easily took the opportunity handicap chase under Gary Hutchinson, while Joseph Vernet (John Cullen) completed Nolan's brace when staying on under pressure to take the handicap hurdle. Banusal made all under Ruby Walsh to take the maiden hurdle, while the Denis Cullen ridden Away Home also scored for O'Brien in the bumper.
