Le Moulin Rouge lands Brown Lad for in-form Nolan

In-form trainer Paul Nolan capped a fine week when his Le Moulin Rouge made all under Eoin Staples to win the Listed Tote Guarantee, Never Beaten By SP Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle at Naas.

Well backed pre-race (14/1-11/2f), the Browne & Coffey Families-owned five-year-old was sent straight to the front approaching the first flight.

Building up a sizeable lead at one point, that advantage had been narrowed significantly going out on the final circuit.

Pushed along approaching two out, the handicap debutant was strongly pressed by main market rival Balko D'ange but showed plenty of courage to fend that off rival and post a two-and-a-half length win.

Having veered left and slightly hampering Balko D'ange two out, Le Moulin Rouge had to survive a stewards' enquiry post-race.

“The start didn't suit him as he had to sort of gun him, as he missed it a little bit when they did eventually go. Then he sort of launched at the first few,” said Nolan.

“For his first run in a handicap, we decided to make the running with him. He had a lovely weight and it worked. He stayed at it when they came at him.

“I'm hoping in the stewards' enquiry it won't be changed, as he won two-and-a-half lengths in the end.

“He's a nice young horse and it was a great pot to get.

“You'd be aiming for Christmas, he definitely won't go anywhere until then.

“He loved that ground, I think he'd handle it a bit easier and he'll want to. I was happy with that.”