Insights from those involved with Neville Hotels Novice Chase
Gavin Cromwell’s Flooring Porter Primed for Neville Hotels Novice Chase
Gavin Cromwell’s talented eight-year-old, Flooring Porter, is set to make a splash at the Neville Hotels Novice Chase in Leopardstown on Friday. Having previously triumphed twice in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, this season marks his venture into chasing.
Flooring Porter made an impressive debut over fences at Cheltenham in October, securing victory by two and a half lengths against Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Broadway Boy over three miles and half a furlong. However, his subsequent outing at Punchestown proved challenging as he struggled with the right-handed track and was hindered by a loose horse en route to finishing third.
Trainer Gavin Cromwell believes that returning to a left-handed track will be advantageous for Flooring Porter. Dismissing their last performance as an anomaly, Cromwell expressed confidence about their upcoming appearance: “He’s back going left-handed; he’s very well… The ground is going to be very testing, but he should be fine on it and I’m looking forward to it.”
Broadway Boy has since showcased remarkable form following his encounter with Flooring Porter. Winning twice more back at Cheltenham with stellar performances serves only to intensify competition between these two horses according to Cromwell.
Corbetts Cross Presents Strong Rivalry
Emmet Mullins-trained Corbetts Cross emerges as another formidable contender in the upcoming race. With two successful runs under its belt this season – placing third behind Grangeclare West and Heart Wood during its debut at Naas followed by winning a competitive beginners’ chase at Fairyhouse – Corbetts Cross now faces both distance and grade challenges under jockey Mark Walsh while donning the silks of owner JP McManus.
McManus’s racing manager, Frank Berry, expressed optimism about Corbetts Cross’ prospects: “He’s in good form and Emmet’s happy with him… He’ll have learnt a lot from that last run and hopefully will have come forward for it. We’re looking forward to seeing him run.”
Mullins-trained Grangeclare West Shows Winning Form
Willie Mullins brings Grangeclare West into the race with recent success, having emerged victorious during its last appearance at Naas where it triumphed over Corbetts Cross.
Gordon Elliott enters Favori De Champdou, winner of the Florida Pearl, while Noel Meade presents Flanking Maneuver representing Gigginstown House Stud. The field is completed by Tullyhogue Fort, a seven-year-old who has maintained an active presence throughout both summer and winter seasons.