Mount Pelier

Mount Pelier put up an impressive performance to win the two-and-a-quarter-mile novices’ chase. Prominent from early under Davy Russell, his jumping was very good for a debutant. He jumped his way to the front over the two fences in the dip on the first circuit and, after that, he didn’t see a rival. He travelled well in front, he jumped well down the back straight, and he stretched his field out. Fine Brunello and Visioman closed up on him as they went to the last two fences, but he jumped those two fences well and he stretched away impressively around the home turn and up the hill to come clear. It was a really nice performance.

Barry Connell’s horse was a progressive horse over hurdles last season, running out an impressive winner of a decent handicap hurdle over two miles and three furlongs at Naas in March on his final run of the season. Rated 128 over hurdles after just five runs in total, he jumped his fences so well here that he has the potential to go beyond that mark over fences. He is only six and he has lots of potential to progress, and there is plenty of stamina in his family, so he could improve again for a step back up in trip.

Galway, 26^th October 2019