Craughwell’s Pat Kelly trains Presenting Percy to third successive Cheltenham win

Galway trainer Pat Kelly saw his classy favourite, Presenting Percy, romp home in the RSA Novice Chase at Cheltenham yesterday – and immediately set his sights on next year’s Gold Cup.

The Craughwell man said he was ‘on cloud nine’ after winning first ever Grade One – his third year in a row to land a winner in the Cotswolds.

In the end, Presenting Percy turned the race into a procession after jockey Davy Russell switched his mount off at the rear of the field – and, when he decided to join in towards the end of the back straight, he was absolutely cruising.

He eased past Monalee to triumph by a full seven lengths – and an emotional Kelly afterwards heaped praise on the winner who had gone off at 5/2 favourite.

“It’s absolutely brilliant; that horse is everything I think he is. He was actually more impressive than I thought he would be. I am lucky to have him and it’s all down to the horse,” he said.

The trainer – who has landed two previous Cheltenham triumphs as well as two Galway Hurdles in the past – was thrilled after what was his biggest success to date.

“He travelled like a dream and jumped impeccably. Presenting Percy has done us proud today,” he said.

When asked if he was worried at any stage during the race, an emotional Kelly replied: “You know me – I don’t worry; he’s a brilliant horse and I love him.”

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.