Matin Midi Et Soir
Matin Midi Et Soir was sent off at odds-on for his chasing debut in the beginners' chase at Down Royal on Friday, and his task was rendered easier than it might have been with the defection of Ballyfad, but he couldn’t have been much more impressive than he was in winning. Prominent from flagfall for Darragh O'Keeffe, he moved on from leader Polepatrick on the run down the hill to the second last fence, he jumped the last two fences well and he left the impression that he was winning with plenty in hand. His jumping was really good for a chasing debutant, and it looked like he was idling in front, it is probable that he could have found a fair bit more if more had been required. The time was good too, much faster comparatively than the handicap chase, the only other chase run on the day, and the only time that dipped below Racing Post standard on the day.
It was a really pleasing chasing debut by Henry de Bromhead's horse. Winner of a Grade 3 hurdle at Auteuil last September on his final run in France, it is significant that his trainer started him off in the Grade 1 four-year-olds' hurdle at the Punchestown Festival in April, and it is as significant that he was sent off as favourite for the race, in front of the Triumph Hurdle winner Apolon De Charnie and the Fred Winter Hurdle winner Saratoga. It didn't really happen for him at Punchestown, but this was much more like it, over fences and stepped up in trip to two miles and three and a half furlongs.
He is obviously still four, he was getting 9lb from all his rivals here, and that allowance will reduce as the season goes on, but he is still an exciting prospect. This is a race that has been won in the past by Romeo Coolio and Envoi Allen and Samcro and Delta Work. Four of the last eight winners won the Drinmore Chase next time, and that race looks like a good target for the Doctor Dino gelding now. Looking further ahead, he should obviously progress with experience and, out of a mare who won over two miles and five furlongs, he could improve again as he steps up in trip. He could take a high rank among the top staying novice chasers this season.
Down Royal, 30th October 2026
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