Trainer Henry De Bromhead says A Plus Tard has the potential to be a Gold Cup horse after his dramatic victory in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.
The six-year-old was back in action for the first time since November and the short break clearly did him the world of good as he lunged late on to deny Kemboy.
Kemboy looked destined to win the race for the second time in three years after holding off stablemate Melon.
However, A Plus Tard seemed to relish the step up in trip to three miles, and jockey Darragh O’Keeffe battled on to land the biggest race of his career.
Market leaders Minella Indo and Delta Work fell earlier on in the race, but De Bromhead says his charge’s performance proves he can compete with the very best.
When asked if he could run in a Gold Cup, he told Racing TV: “Absolutely, he stayed at it really well and needed every inch of it.
“I wouldn’t like to make any plans yet. We’ll enjoy today as this is a pretty savage race to win. We’ll see whether it’s the Ryanair or the Gold Cup, it’s up to everyone involved.”
