Gambled Crecora Hills wins Naas' opener Heavily-backed Crecora Hills (morning 3/1, returned 6/5f) made a winning seasonal return at Naas today, easily landing the opening Mongey Communications Novice Handicap Chase for in-form pair trainer Robert Tyner and owner J.P. McManus. Ridden by jockey Mark Walsh, who returned from a back injury in October, Crecora Hills raced prominently throughout, led after the second-last and won with plenty in hand from runner-up Tell Nobody Nothin . Tyner, who trained Crecora Hills’ dam Whatwillwecallher to win three bumpers, stated “it was very straightforward and she jumped well. We schooled her on Friday morning and were delighted with her. She jumped very well over the five fences, she only went up over them the once but jumped them lovely. “She travelled, they went steady. The drop of rain did no harm last night, we were praying for a bit of rain. “Her jumping was never great from the word go. Even before she came to me I believe she got more schooling than any horse in the country. She was never a natural but it came to her. When she came to us first we did a lot of schooling with her and took a lot of time. “I think she’s my fifth first-time-out winner this season since Big Debates started in September. It’s nice and we’re doing something right anyway.” Quotes from Gary Carson
