Merchent Paddy gets a breather

CHARLES BYRNES is to give Merchent Paddy a well-earned break following his second success in a week at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The progressive eight-year-old followed up his victory at Naas seven days earlier with an 11-length defeat of Bohemian Lass in the Grade Two Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Chase over two miles and five furlongs.

“He was impressive and he’s improving, but I thought it was an average race,” said the Co Limerick trainer.