Grand Paradis new favourite for Martin Pipe after enhancing growing reputation

Exciting youngster Grand Paradis continued his rise up the ranks with a taking victory in the Grade 3 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle, setting himself up for a potentially lucrative spring.

The Gordon Elliott-trained five-year-old, owned by Andrew and Gemma Brown, was cut to 6-1 favourite (from 10) with Paddy Power and Betfair Sportsbook for the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle next month, but the imposing grey's participation hinges on how highly the handicapper rates the performance.

Jack Kennedy on Grand Paradis: 'He's improved from his maiden hurdle win'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

A 13-length win over 140-rated Goodbye Someday is likely to make it tough for Jack Kennedy's mount to remain under the 145 ceiling mark for the concluding Cheltenham handicap, especially given the additional pounds that are often applied by the British authorities.

Some of the 7-2 chance's leading rivals failed to fire, but there was lots to like about the way the winner jumped and put the race to bed.

Kennedy said: "He's improved from his maiden hurdle win. His jumping is very good and he seems to have a good future ahead of him. He's not slow but will stay and in time could be a nice staying chaser."

O'Brien records first double with pair of bargain buys

It was a memorable afternoon for Kilkenny-based trainer David O'Brien, who recorded the first double of his career with two horses costing €1,000 and €900.

Minx Tiara took to chasing well when landing the 2m5½f mares' novice chase as evens favourite 30 minutes before the useful Cusp Of Carabelli (SP 9-2) found enough in the closing stages for the fifth win of his career in the 2m½f handicap chase.

David O'Brien (left): enjoyed first double of his training careerCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

O'Brien said of the Fastey For Fun Syndicate-owned pair, who were both ridden by Sean Flanagan: "I'm so delighted for the owners. Both horses were bought cheaply and they've had great fun with them.

"Cusp Of Carabelli pulled a shoe going to the first fence last time and Sean said he was never happy. He now seems to handle testing ground as he's strengthened up."

American Grand National hero Jury Duty bounces back

Former American Grand National Hurdle winner Jury Duty may have stamped his ticket for the Cheltenham Festival with a game display to land the opening hunter chase, taking advantage of the favourite Winged Leader's fall at the last.

Jury Duty: back to winning ways under Jamie Codd at ThurlesCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Jamie Codd rode the Gordon Elliott-trained ten-year-old when he was sent off 4-1 favourite for the 2018 National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and he was reunited with the likeable performer when second in a point-to-point earlier this season.

"We came down at the second-last that day at Cheltenham and it's just nice when you can get back on those old horses and have a good day like this," said Codd. "I'd imagine he'll either go for the hunter chase at Cheltenham or the cross-country."

Cheltenham winner It Came To Pass was well adrift when unseating at the third-last.

Codd doubled up in the concluding bumper aboard the Michael Grassick-trained Mollys Glory.

Results, replays and analysis

Read more

Irish point-to-points look unlikely to return until at least April 5

Danoli trainer Tom Foley dies at the age of 74 after battle with cancer

Patrick Mullins faces licence battle as he ponders turning pro for Cheltenham

Did you know you can bet via the Racing Post mobile app/website? Simply sign in with your favourite bookmaker via the Accounts button and then bet direct from our racecards