Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
6 OF THE BEST FOR DREAL
Mcnally’s hurdles star keeps on winning
SUPERSTAR Envoi Allen was overshadowed at Punchestown yesterday by Dreal Deal’s success in the featured Grade 2 Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle.
Ronan Mcnally’s stable star, up in the official ratings from 84 to 141 since September, was completing a remarkable six-timer, under a patient, well-judged, last-to-first ride by Denis O’regan.
A huge drifter in the market and sent off at 22/1,
Dreal Deal pounced on the run-in to outpoint the three Mullins runners Ganapathi, Power Of Pause and Echoes Of Rain.
And trainer Mcnally admitted: “It’s unbelievable. Amazing. It hasn’t really sunk in. His preparation wasn’t ideal – they were all sick and then we had the frost. He hasn’t galloped, hasn’t been eating great and his coat isn’t right.
“Denis said it took a while to get the hang of the horse. He thought he needed the run and told me he wouldn’t come off the bridle next day!”
Mcnally (inset) is now planning a crack at either the Supreme or Ballymore at Cheltenham for Dreal Deal.
On the supporting card, Willie Mullins completed a double, thanks to Frere Tuck and Klassy Kay, with Brian Hayes and Rachael Blackmore, respectively, deputising for Paul Townend.
LADY Breffni, trained by Willie Mullins, looks the banker bet on today’s Monday card in Punchestown.
Formerly trained by Joseph O’brien and placed in a Grade 3 at Limerick last March, she finished fourth to subsequent Grade 1 winner Flooring Porter on her first start for Closutton and handicap debut at Navan last month and, with a rating of 128, should deliver in the Ladbrokes Odds Boost Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Unplaced in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham and an eye-catching third to Stattler on his recent hurdles debut at Leopardstowm, Jonathan Sweeney’s Mahler Allstar appeals in the three-mile maiden hurdle.