More Grade 1 Derby Sale Success at Cheltenham Festival

Tattersalls Ireland maintained its dominance on day two of the Cheltenham Festival, with high-profile graduates once again delivering standout performances, and two of the days Grade 1s going the way of graduates.

Lecky Watson was a second Derby Sale graduate to succeed at Grade 1 level this week when running out an impressive winner of the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

The seven-year-old raced prominently throughout the extended three-mile contest, and galloped on resolutely to prevail with four lengths to spare at the end.

A graduate of the 2021 Derby Sale, the son of Valirann was consigned by Marie Harding’s Glen Stables and purchased for €60,000 by his trainer Willie Mullins and Harold Kirk.

He was the twelfth Derby Sale graduate to win the prestigious staying novice chase, with other graduates to have won the race including Monkfish, subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere, Albertas Run and Aintree Grand National winner Minnehoma.

Running in the colours of the Slaneyville Syndicate, it was a third win over fences for Lecky Watson who was adding to his Grade 3 success on his previous start.

The Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle was being billed as one of the races of the Cheltenham Festival in the build up, and the race delivered what many anticipated with The New Lion prevailing in a thrilling finish under Harry Skelton.

The son of Kayf Tara was a hugely impressive winner of the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle on his previous start, and was subsequently purchased by owner JP McManus.

The six-year-old was purchased as a foal at the November National Hunt Sale from Little Lodge Farm by Katie Rudd for €45,000.

He was ridden patiently by Harry Skelton, making steady headway inside the last half mile, and was delivered to lead on the approach to the final obstacle.

The six-year-old was adding his name to an illustrious line of Tattersalls Ireland graduates to have won the 2m5f novice hurdle, including City Island, The New One, and Peddlars Cross.

Elsewhere, Stumptown showcased his liking for the undulations of the unique Cross Country course, as he followed up his course and distance win in December for trainer Gavin Cromwell and owners the Furze Bush Syndicate.

The eight-year-old was winning for a seventh time over fences, and was consigned as a Store by Churchlands Stables where he was purchased for €12,500 by David Byrne Bloodstock. He was also sold as a foal at the November National Hunt Sale by Hillfarm Stables to the late William Codd.

Jazzy Matty provided trainer Cian Collins and jockey Danny Gilligan with a memorable first Cheltenham Festival winner in the Grand Annual.

He was purchased for €50,000 by his trainer and Denis O’Regan at the Andy and Gemma Brown Dispersal Sale last year, and today’s success was a third win for the six-year-old who runs in the colours of the Top Man Racing Syndicate.