RACING:Welsh National winner Notre Pere could now step up into Grade One company for the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown on February 8th.
Jim Dreaper admitted to being surprised at the manner of the seven-year-old's runaway success at Chepstow on Saturday — but believes the handicapper may now have him in his grip.
"He's come out of the race in good form. He arrived back here at around 6.30am on Sunday morning and he is absolutely fine," said the Kilsallaghan handler.
"I was amazed that he did it so well. It is difficult with a lazy horse like him because he shows nothing at home and it is hard to assess what his chances are — from the last fence he was very impressive.
"I believe the handicappers in England and Ireland have put him up around 10lb so it is going to be difficult to win another handicap with him, but I can't complain as he's won two big ones now.
"I would imagine he will have an entry in some of the big races like the Irish Hennessy and if it came up bottomless ground, he might run into a place.
"I will have a chat with the owners but I don't think he'll run in the Grand National at Aintree."