Paddy Pub powers to Leinster National success

Report: Naas, Sunday

Woodlands Park 100 Club Leinster National Handicap Chase 3m, 5yo+

PADDY PUB kept on strongly to hold off the late challenge of Arabella Boy after the pair pulled clear of the field coming into the home straight.

The winner was always holding the runner-up after jumping the last with a clear advantage and he maintained it to the line to score by a length and a half at odds of 10-1.

Rare Bob, who is entered in the John Smith's Grand National, stayed on best of the rest but never threatened to land a blow in third.

The complexion of the race never changed until the fourth last when Paddy Pub took upthe running from long-time leader Hughies Grey.

Tullintain, sent off the 3-1 favourite, was travelling well in behind and, along with Roi Du Mee, looked sure to be involved in the finish.

However, they were both caught flat-footed as Paddy Pub and Arabella Boy kicked for home with two to jump.

Paddy Pub, ridden by Paddy Mangan, put in a solid leap at the last and, despite being hassled by Arabella Boy all the way to the line, had enough in reserve to notch his second successive victory at the track.

Kieran Purcell, trainerof the winner, said: "He's come back to his best, it took us a whole to get him there but he's back enjoying his racing now. I don't know where we'll go now."

Roberto Goldback, who is also entered in the Grand National, was disappointing and finished well down the field.

Smoking Aces, another Aintree possible, stayed on to snatch fourth but is unlikely to make the cut for the marathon contest.