Echo strikes at Leopardstown

Hear The Echo won an eventful renewal of the Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

The Grade Two contest was won by the high-class Nickname 12 months ago and Mouse Morris will be hoping he has another star on his hands after this ready success.

Hear The Echo looked booked for second, however, when Justpourit took up the running at the last.

Dessie Hughes’ charge jumped past long-time leader Mister Top Notch, who crumpled on landing the final fence, and went seven lengths clear on the run-in.

Despite Roger Loughran’s best efforts aboard the 7-1 chance, Davy Russell was able to galvanise Hear The Echo for one last lunge.

He pounced late and went on to win by one and a half lengths at odds of 9-2.

King Johns Castle, Arthur Moore’s 5-2 favourite, unseated Tony McCoy at the third-last having been in a prominent position.

“He’ll stay all day – he jumps for fun and gallops,” Morris said.

“We’ve no no real plans at the moment although possibly the (Dr.) P.J. Moriarty Novices’ Chase (at Leopardsown on February 10) could be an option.

“He needs three miles though so any of the three-mile races will do.”