Eklat De Rire (Saddex) wins the Grade III Naas Racecourse Business Club Novices Chase for Henry De Bromhead and owner Mr P Davies.
A winner on his chasing debut at Punchestown last month, Henry de Bromhead’s charge faced a step up in class for what looked a competitive renewal of this Grade Three contest.
But the 11-4 chance was soon bowling along at the head of affairs in the hands of Rachael Blackmore – and some quick and accurate leaps kept the pressure on his rivals in behind.
Gordon Elliott’s pair of Escaria Ten and Pencilfulloflead attempted to close the gap from the home turn, but Eklat De Rire did not wilt – keeping up the gallop to beat the former by just under two lengths.
Eklat De Rire is entered in the National Hunt Chase and the Festival Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, and his trainer said: “He was deadly and is improving all the time. I couldn’t have asked for any more”.
He handles an ease in the ground well. He’s a big heavy topped fella – and while we have never run him on it, I’d say he wouldn’t want the ground too good.
“I’ll have to speak to the owners, but we said if today went well we would aim for the Festival Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.
“He stays well and he jumps well. He was impressive there and I’d say he deserves his chance after that.”
Eklat De Rire was purchased for £110,000 at the 2019 Tattersalls Cheltenham December Mixed Sale.
