Dreaper Fairyhouse winner has Cheltenham target

The Jim Dreaper-trained Aupcharlie scored in the Hunter Chase category for the first time today at Fairyhouse and booked a ticket to Cheltenham next month where the Foxhunters, finished sixth last year, will be the target.

Aupcharlie was second in a point to point last week on his first run for the Dreaper stable and won convincingly today at the local track after hitting the front approaching the final fence for Jamie Codd.

Last year at Cheltenham Aupcharlie was a little over three lengths off the winner when sixth to On The Fringe in the Foxhunters.

Dreaper also had the third horse home today, Sizing Solution, which qualified to run at Aintree as a result of the placed finish.

In the race for the trainers' title, Gordon Elliott had a double after he was awarded the opener in the stewards' room and won the bumper also with Empire Burleque which added to the earlier victory of Dinaria Des Obeaux.

Willie Mullins took the featured Bobbyjo Chase when Ruby Walsh partnered Pleasant Company to victory.

In prizemoney stakes (win and place) Willie Mullins closed the gap slightly by adding €33,250 to his tally while Gordon Elliott added €32,622. The tussle for the tile continues at Naas tomorrow.