The Lovely Man swoops late to land dramatic Leinster National at Naas

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Thurles bumper winner Le Labo made it third-time-lucky over hurldes when bagging the Grade 3 BAR 1 Betting Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle

The Lovely Man and Conor Stone Walsh (right) won the BAR 1 Betting Leinster National Handicap Steeplechase by a head from Goraibhmaithagat. Pic: Healy Racing Photo

Gavin Cromwell received a timely pre-Cheltenham boost when Conor Stone-Walsh brought The Lovely Man with a late surge to foil favourite Goraibhmaithagat in a dramatic renewal of the €100,000 BAR 1 Betting Leinster National in Naas.

Goraibhmaithagat, the 100/30 favourite, was challenging Built By Ballymore at the final fence when that rival jumped left and collided with Mark Walsh’s mount, causing Gavin Brouder to be unseated from the narrow leader.