Rich Revival

There was a lot to like about the way Rich Revival won the Leinster National at Naas on Sunday, and he looks a progressive horse again now after his absence.

Liz Doyle’s gelding travelled nicely right up the inside and he jumped accurately on what was just his third run over fences. He got shuffled back quite badly on the run up the side of the course but Brian O’Connell had regained his position over the third last and he was still going well into the home straight. He went on over the second last and he stayed on well to repel the late challenge of Murchu, with Rare Bob in third and the three of them a little way ahead of the well-supported Fever Pitch.

The nine-year-old had missed the whole of last season and only returned this term in December. His jumping is very good for one so inexperienced, and he stayed this three-mile trip well on his first attempt at it over fences. He is by Turtle Island so he probably appreciated this soft ground, and he has the scope to progress again from this as he is very lightly raced despite his age. He could even be an Irish National horse now, he won his beginners’ chase at Fairyhouse over their stiff fences in a big field, beating Panther Claw, who has gone on to win the Amateur National at Punchestown and to finish third in the Thyestes. The Irish National has apparently been the aim since his return. If the ground were to come up soft over Easter, he would warrant close consideration.

10th March 2013

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