HENRY de Bromhead reports Identity Thief to be "getting there" having been in the wars at Leopardstown on Monday.

The Grade 1-winning hurdler had created a big impression after winning his first two starts over fences, after which he was engaged for a potentially mouthwatering clash with the Willie Mullins-trained Min in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase.

However, while Min jumped brilliantly at the head of affairs on his way to an impressive victory, Identity Thief made several mistakes before being pulled up by Bryan Cooper, who quickly dismounted.

De Bromhead said: "Identity Thief is a bit better today and is getting there. As he backed off a few fences, other horses were jumping into him and he's got a few cuts and scrapes. He also ripped off a shoe."