The real deal? Ronan McNally aiming Irish raider at Grade 1 after 57lb rise

His hurdles career started with seven defeats by a combined total of 409 lengths, but rapid improver Dreal Deal is now set for a crack at Grade 1 company with trainer Ronan McNally setting his sights on the Challow Hurdle at Newbury later this month for his rising star.

The hugely progressive performer made the breakthrough when well backed for a Navan handicap hurdle off a mark of 84 in September and has followed that up with four easy successes, with two coming on the Flat and two over hurdles.

Now a whopping 57lb higher over hurdles than for his first victory and rated 141 on home soil, Dreal Deal will tackle Graded company for the first time and will bid to register a rare Irish-trained victory in the Mansion Bet-backed Grade 1 on December 29.