Missed That takes Durkan
Weatherbys Champion Bumper hero Missed That continued his rapid progress over fences as he pulled out all the stops to lift the Durkan New Homes Novice Chase at Leopardstown.
Willie Mullins’ 10-1 shot found plenty for pressure to hold the renewed challenge of Wild Passion by a length and a quarter, with Kill Devil Hill a distant third.
Justified was sent off the 5-4 favourite but he only got as far as the first fence, crashing through the top and unseating Shay Barry.
That left Mansony and Wild Passion in front and the pair cut out most of the early pace, with David Casey settling Missed That in fourth.
It was just between the three of them turning for home but as Mansony fell at the last, Missed That hit the front.
However, Wild Passion came again and he looked to have just headed his rival before Missed That, running in the colours made famous by Florida Pearl, found more to get back on top close home.
The winner was having only his third start over obstacles and had been a big disappointment when beaten on his debut at Thurles at the turn of the month.
Mullins said: “He’s made a huge improvement in his jumping and I liked the way he picked up from the last. To be honest if he had finished in the first three I would have been delighted.
“We’ll stay at two miles for the time being and possibly come back here for the Irish Arkle on January 29 and then see about Cheltenham.”
