ALLAHO sauntered clear on the run-in at Thurles on Sunday to land successive renewals of the Gr.2 Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase for Willie Mullins. Sent out to make all under Paul Townend, Allaho started to pour on the pressure after a fine leap at the third last. A stunning jump at the penultimate fence allowed him to power away and establish an unassailable lead by the final fence, which he successfully negotiated before galloping out a ready 12 length winner.
Last seen when landing the Gr.1 John Durkan Memorial Steeplechase at Punchestown on his seasonal debut, Allaho showed he is none the worse for those exertions with an ominous display here. This race acted as a stepping stone to victory in the Ryanair Chase for Allaho last season and the now 8yo gelding is a strong favourite to strike in that Cheltenham Festival contest again. He has typically been a horse who has improved with racing through each of his seasons, which is a frightening thought for his potential opponents in the spring.