Harry Des Ongrais
Harry Des Ongrais only finished fifth in the two-mile-one-furlong beginners' chase at Fairyhouse last Saturday, but it was his first run in over 600 days, and there was a lot to like about the manner in which he stayed on to take fifth place.
This was a hot beginners' chase, with the Willie Mullins triumvirate Mistergif, Tullyhill and Asian Master filling the first three places. They are all rated in the high 130s or 140s over hurdles, and two of them had the benefit of a previous run this season over fences. The pace was solid without being breakneck, and Harry Des Ongrais was a long way back early on before staying on nicely for Rachael Blackmore to take fifth place, seven and a half lengths behind fourth-placed Westport Cove, who had also had a run over fences.
Harry Des Ongrais competed at a high level as a novice hurdler two seasons ago. Henry de Bromhead's horse finished third behind Favori De Champdou in the Grade 2 staying novices' hurdle at Limerick's 2022 Christmas Festival, and he ran in the Grade 1 Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle that Gaelic Warrior won at the 2023 Punchestown Festival. This was his first run since then, he has obviously had his issues, but it was a really encouraging run, over a distance that was surely too sharp for him. If he can get a run at it now, he could make up into a talented chaser, he should be better with this experience under his belt and he should be better again when he steps up in trip.
Fairyhouse, 11th January 2025
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