Irish Point (Joshua Tree) cruises to victory in the Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle, Grade I for Robcour and trainer Gordon Elliott.
The five-year-old grey travelled easily in midfield as market rival Home By The Lee set the pace, somewhat on sufferance. Irish Point travelled up to take the lead early in the straight and without having to be asked for absolutely everything, he pulled clear of Asterion Forlonge and Ballyadam.
After the race Elliott said “Jack said he would have done more in a piece of work at home,” said Elliott. “He was very professional, settled well, and did everything well. You are always worried when stepping up to three miles, but It’s a nice race to win.
“We have a couple for that division now. It’s a good problem to have, but he could be a horse that we could keep for Aintree.” When trained in France, Irish Point won a Grade One bumper beating none other than Il Est Francais, who extended his perfect record over fences to three when winning the Grade One Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on Tuesday in Kempton.
Irish Point is now vying for favouritism for the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
