Scout rebounds in style

NATIVE SCOUT, fourth behind Isio and Azertyuiop in the recent Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot, returned to winning form when justifying favouritism in the Grade 3 Byrne Group Plc Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown yesterday.

Always close to the pace, Native Scout was sent clear by Barry Geraghty after the third last fence and stayed on to beat Rathgar Beau, which recovered from a bad blunder (when travelling well) at the fourth last, in good style.

Donie Hassett, who trains the gelding for Noel Glynn, now intends running Native Scout in the two-mile Paddy and Helena Cox Memorial Newlands Chase at Naas on February 22, in which he’ll clash with yesterday’s Thurles winner Native Upmanship among others.