Koktail Divin off the mark with Leopardstown chase triumph

Koktail Divin made it third time lucky over fences with victory in the Ballymaloe Relish Rising Stars Beginners Chase at Leopardstown.

Second behind subsequent dual Grade One winner Romeo Coolio on his first attempt, Henry de Bromhead’s charge was then beaten three lengths by Oscars Brother when upped to Grade Two level last time.

Back down in class here, the 11-4 chance made no mistake in the hands of Darragh O’Keeffe, cantering home 21 lengths clear to put himself in the Cheltenham Festival picture later in the campaign.

De Bromhead said: “He was really good and we’re delighted with that. He jumped brilliant, Darragh was brilliant on him and he picked up really well.

“He’s had three runs so we’ll see what want to do now. Obviously the lads would love to go to Cheltenham so I’d imagine we’ll go there, and then it’s a matter of whether we’d have a run in between.

“The Dublin Racing Festival is a big meeting as well so we’ll see what everyone wants to do.”

Lazare De Star (6-4 favourite) gave trainer Gordon Elliott a 12th victory in the last three days as he ran out a comfortable four-and-a-half-length winner of the Savills Maiden Hurdle under Jack Kennedy, with the pair later landing the Christmas Hurdle with Teahupoo.

Elliott said: “I think he’s smart enough. I like the way he quickened off the home turn and put it to sleep fairly quick.

“He’s going to be a big three-mile chaser down the line. You’d love the way he hit the line.

“We’ve no plan made with him, we’ll have a look and see.”

Joseph O’Brien sent out 25-1 chance Silver Duke to triumph in the colours of his sister Sarah in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle, giving Hugh Horgan a first National Hunt success in the process.

The winning handler said: “I’m delighted, he’s been a progressive horse as he’s gone up in trip. Hugh gave him a great ride, it was only his second ride over hurdles.

“I’m delighted for Sarah as well, it’s nice to have a winner.

“He likes a bit of goodish ground. Hugh gave him a fantastic ride and produced him at the right time.”

The Mercedes Benz South Dublin Handicap Hurdle went the way of 9-2 favourite The Nagger Reidy for trainer Stephen Carey and jockey Michael Kenneally, while €150,000 purchase Bentraghhill (2-1) landed the closing Forest Fest INH Flat Race in style for Willie Mullins and Jody Townend.

Mullins said: “I was expecting that. I was amazed that Patrick (Mullins) didn’t make it back up from Limerick to ride him here.

“He had shown me plenty at home and I was very happy.

“On what he did there he must (rank amongst his better horses). He’s a nice type, a big chasing type and I’m very happy with him.

“He’ll stay in bumpers and go jumping next season.”