THE Grade 1 races at Leopardstown were a story of building momentum, starting slow but significance and drama gradually increasing, with the best saved for last in the Grade 1 Nevilles Hotel Hurdle.

The Grade 1 Racing Post Long Distance Novice Chase looks weak form for the grade, a small field dominated by one trainer, and Croke Park, who had looked well-positioned when making all in the Drinmore, was able to pull off the same tactics here, jumping well in the main.