Harrington delighted as Our Duke sets up a tilt at the Gold Cup

OUR DUKE got his season back on track with a battling defeat of Presenting Percy in a thrilling Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park.

Having flopped on his Down Royal comeback, after he which he underwent an operation for a kissing spine, last season’s Irish National hero performed with more credit in the Irish Gold Cup.

The Jessica Harringtontrained eight-year-old (5-2) and Robbie Power prevailed by a length from the evenmoney favourite. Afterwards, the winning trainer (left) said all roads lead to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

‘I’m absolutely delighted,’ said Harrington who also won the Grade Three Red Mills Trial Hurdle with Forge Meadow. ‘He has a very high cruising speed and he’ll (be) all right at Cheltenham. When he goes that gear quicker he’s on the bridle and he can do anything. All being well he’ll go to the Gold Cup now. He had to come back and do that as you couldn’t go without that race and he’ll be sharper again.’ – EOGHAN O’BRIEN