Jack De Bromhead Christmas Hurdle report, reaction and replay

Ridden by Jack Kennedy, the grey five-year-old had ended last term on a high with a top-class success at Aintree and gave another indication of what was to come when scoring on his seasonal return over the extended two miles at Down Royal last month.

Stepped back up in class and having his first outing over three miles, Irish Point cruised around in midfield behind front-running Home By The Lee and came between rival approaching the last to pick it up seemingly with loads in hand.

The even-money favourite quickened away when asked to put the seal on it and had 11 lengths in hand over Asterion Forlonge (6/1) at the line. Ballyadam (18/1) was another half-length further back in third.

Paddy Power, Betfair and Sky Bet all make Irish Point their new co-favourite at 4/1 (from 16s) for the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival along with Elliott stablemate Teahupoo and the French-trained Theleme.

“Jack said he would have done more in a piece of work at home,” said Elliott.

“He was very professional, settled and did everything great.

“You are always worried stepping up to three miles. It’s a nice race to win, we’ve a couple for that division now and it’s a good problem to have.

“We’ve a great bunch of horses and Jack said to me there that all I have to do now is to make sure to split them up.

“He could be a horse that we’d keep for Aintree, we’ll enjoy today and see what happens. The horse was very good and I thought it was a great performance.

“I thought he was so relaxed that he ticked all the boxes to stay, but you are always nervous until he does it.

“Jack said he actually thought halfway down the back that he was so relaxed, but he said when he gave him a squeeze he leapt straight back on it.”

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