A PLUS TARD took the notable scalp of Chacun Pour Soi in the 2m1f Grade 1 Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at this meeting in 2019 and returned to Leopardstown in 2020 to win the prestigious Grade 1 Savills Chase in dramatic fashion on his first try over 3 miles around a left-handed course.
Henry de Bromhead’s charge was going well before 2 out and improved into third turning for home, but he was being hard ridden to reduce the deficit with Kemboy and Melon. Although A Plus Tard looked set for third having jumped the last, Darragh O’Keeffe galavanized him for one final thrust and, incredibly, he was able to reel in Kemboy in the shadows of the post.
Back in fourth place was ALLAHO, who travelled smoothly through the contest but was unable to find extra to launch a challenge late on. He ought to come on again for this run and benefit from a slightly shorter trip.
Still only six rising seven years of age, A Plus Tard is now a dual Grade 1 and Cheltenham Festival winner, who has never been out of the frame in 15 starts. This victory opens up plenty of options for A Plus Tard, with the Cheltenham Gold Cup appealing as a likely major target.