Alisier D'Irlande bounces back to best with win at Naas
Sunday 26 February 2017 16:54, UK
Alisier D'Irlande returned to winning ways in the We Show All Live Racing Chase at Naas.
Henry de Bromhead's charge is something of an all-or-nothing performer as he looked a horse with a bright future when winning at Leopardstown almost a year ago.
However, including when taking on Douvan at Aintree in April, he had only beaten two horses in five subsequent races.
Allowed his head by David Mullins, the 5-2 joint-favourite set a searching gallop in testing conditions with only British raider Just Cameron attempting to keep tabs on him.
After seeing him off, Pairofbrowneyes gave chase but was beaten 10 lengths at the finish.
"He was beaten at the start of the year here on good ground, but he loves that heavy ground and gallops relentlessly. He was feeling the pinch after the last, but it was tough," said De Bromhead.
"We went to Leopardstown at Christmas and took our chance but the ground was pretty good there. He still led them to about the second-last.
"I've had this race in mind for a while and that race (over hurdles) in Navan might have helped him fitness wise for today.
"My wife Heather suggested that we might take him to France. He loves that ground and he jumps so well and left handed would suit him. We might look at that option. I've never had a runner in France before."
