Tranquil Sea Cheltenham Bound

Tranquil Sea bolstered his claims for the Ryanair Chase with a sensational victory in the Newlands Chase at Leopardstown.

Edward O'Grady's eight-year-old led after the second-last and pulled clear on the run-in thanks to a good jump at the final fence.

The 4-6 favourite was pushed out by Andrew McNamara to hold Natal by two and a half lengths with Snowy Morning half a length back in third.

Stan James shortened Tranquil Sea to 5-1 from 6-1 for the Ryanair at Cheltenham.

"It isn't often things go as much to plan as that. Hopefully it's onwards and upwards and I couldn't have asked for more," said O'Grady.

"The owners decided we would be as well off running for 26,000 euro as schooling after racing.

"It was a very delicate balancing act as we wanted a bit of work and wanted to win the race but didn't want him to have a hard race. It worked out well.

"Hopefully he'll come on for the race. It's his first Graded chase and if he improves from it he must have a shout (in the Ryanair).

"He has won on soft but I think he's better on better ground and I think he should come to hand in the spring."

Jockey Ruby Walsh was happy with Snowy Morning's run ahead of the John Smith's Grand National.

He said: "He looks great in his coat and it was a fair Grand National trial wasn't it?"

Trainer Colin McBratney was also delighted with the run of Galway Plate winner Ballyholland, who showed up well for a long way and was not beaten too far in seventh over a trip short of his optimum.

He said: "You'd have to say it was a great run, a perfect sharpener for the Grand National at Aintree.

"I thought he was in with a real chance at the second-last - they just quickened away, but I am absolutely delighted."