Nelson County
Nelson County ran out an impressive winner of the two-mile-five-and-a-half-furlong rated novices' chase at Fairyhouse last Wednesday. Held up early on, his jumping was a little novicey through the first part of the race but, still last of the nine runners as he landed over the sixth last fence, he warmed nicely to his task. He wasn't great at the fourth last fence, as Jacovec Cavern moved into a clear lead, but rider Danny Gilligan allowed him move up through his field without getting too serious with him. He moved into second place behind the clear leader as they rounded the home turn, joined him on landing over the second last fence, and cleared away over the last and up the run-in to win impressively.
This was an impressive performance by Ross O'Sullivan's horse on just his second run over fences. A winner over three miles over hurdles, and out of a three-parts sister to Irish Grand National winner Our Duke, and racing in the colours of that horse's owner/breeder Billy Cooper, he should do even better now when he steps up to three miles over fences. His trainer said that he is at his best on soft ground, so he will be of interest again now if he steps up in trip before the ground turns. Given his breeding and the fact that he proved his ability here to operate at Fairyhouse, the Irish Grand National is an obvious target for him at some stage. In the meantime, he will be of interest in any staying chase that he contests, especially on soft ground.
Fairyhouse, 14th January 2026
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