Twenty to one outsider Black Apalachi caused a big surprise when beating some of Ireland's best novices at Naas today, winning the Woodlands Park 100 Johnstown Novice Hurdle under John Cullen.
Trained by Philip Rothwell, Black Apalachi was held up in mid division before staying on well to lead after the second last. At the line he had two lengths to spare over Homer Wells.
According to Rothwell, 'we fancied him at Leopardstown a fortnight ago but he returned with sore shins and jumped terribly.
He added 'he had a good few jumping errors again today and wants good or loose ground to be at his best. He will be entered in the Coral Cup and the 3m novice hurdle at Cheltenham in March.'
Jessica Harrington returned from a holiday to see her Well Presented win the Grade 2 Anglo Irish Bank Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase, the third horse of the afternoon to make all and win.
Afterwards Harrington reported 'he was very idle in front but kept finding more. He will bypass Cheltenham and may go for either the Midlands or Irish Nationals with the three mile novice chase at Aintree another option.'
The winner was also the second leg of a double for jockey Robert Power who won the Naas Supporters Handicap Chase on Jim, for trainer of the same name, Jim Dreaper.
According to Dreaper 'the horse was running hopelessly last October having suffered a very heavy fall at Navan last March which affected his confidence.'
He added 'we took the easier option by running over hurdles today but it was a great confidence boost for the horse who seemed to enjoy himself.'
Dessie Hughes's Central House landed the feature event, the E65,000 Grade 2 Paddy & Helen Cox Memorial Newlands Chase under Paul Carberry.
Central House (4/7 favourite) made all and eventually had no difficulty seeing off the challenge of Native Upmanship by seven lengths.
Afterwards Hughes mentioned 'he'll stick to two miles at Cheltenham and go for the Grand Annual Chase although he'll probably have a lot of weight in the race. We'll enter him in the Champion Chase as a precaution.'
Trainer Pat Fahy has a high opinion of his Publican and the five year old won the opening Saggart Maiden Hurdle. Ruby Walsh's mount raced in mid division before steadily moving through the 23 runner field to effortlessly lead before the last.
Fahy later stated 'he is a proper horse, with no secrets to him and is by far the best I have trained. He does take a bit of riding in his races and did have a dirty nose following his run at Leopardstown in January.'
Davy Russell partnered Lord Who to win the three mile handicap hurdle while the concluding winners' bumper went to Mister Top Notch under a strong Mikey O'Connor drive.
