Schindlers in the hunt for top novice prizes

SCHINDLERS HUNT looked a very smart novice chaser when he defeated what looked an above-average field in the Beginners Chase at Punchestown yesterday.

The 9/1 shot jumped well for Paddy Flood and led after the last. The front-running Rights of Man threw down a determined effort on the flat but the six-year-old prevailed by a neck.

Sky’s The Limit was sent off favourite but had to settle for third place. Last year’s Coral Cup winner was a little novicey at a couple of his fences and on this evidence may need further than two miles.

Schindler’s Hunt is trained by Dessie Hughes, who said “He’s decent and I’m not sure if he will stick to two miles or we might step him up to two and a half.

“He’s a huge horse and I’d say that was a decent contest”. Cashmans were impressed enough to offer a quote of 33-1 about Schindlers Hunt for the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival.

Paddy Flood and Hughes went on to complete a double when Dosco ran out a comfortable winner of the handicap chase.

Ruby Walsh was also in double form. Sizing Australia initiated his brace - the 4/1 shot ran out a comfortable winner of the first division of the Kildare Maiden Hurdle.

“I bought him from Tom Costello and Ruby was delighted with him.

“He jumped great and should get three miles,” reported winning trainer Henry de Bromhead, saddling his third winner since Saturday.

Walsh was seen at his best on Tipperary All Star who came from a long way off the pace to run out an impressive winner of the handicap hurdle.