More Leopardstown success for Le Richebourg

O'Brien upbeat on Iridessa's chances

Le Richebourg recorded a seven-length win at Leopardstown to build the hype around him heading to the Cheltenham Festival.

A mistake at Fairyhouse cost him before Christmas but, despite not being at his best, he bounced back later in December in County Dublin and doubled up at the course on Saturday. His task was made easier with the falls of Articulum and Paloma Blue but the six-year-old appears the real deal over fences after his early mistakes. Trainer Joseph O’Brien says he was pleased to see his charge making progress and is encouraged by the strides he made as he looks towards either the Arkle or the JLT next month at Cheltenham. O’Brien said: ‘He jumped well on the whole and when he had to be clever, he was. Mark gave him a lovely ride and he was very cool on him. ‘There was a bit of drama throughout the race. I was delighted he was able to avoid that and he put in a good round of jumping. ‘They went strong and fast and it tested a lot of horses’ jumping. He was good and clever at the last. ‘Obviously he made a little mistake at the last here at Christmas and it was good to see him learn from that.’

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