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We'llhavewan collects big pot in Bective Stud Handicap Hurdle

We'llhavewan and Paul TownendWe'llhavewan and Paul Townend
© Photo Healy Racing

We’llhavewan recorded his sixth career win and by far the most valuable when landing the €100,000 Bective Stud, Tea Rooms And Apartments Handicap Hurdle at Navan.

The eight-year-old gelding, formerly trained by winning rider Paul Townend’s father Tim to win two races early last year before joining Willie Mullins, struck the front early in the straight.

The 10/1 shot soon had his rivals toiling and kept on strongly on the run-in to beat the front-running Summerville Boy by seven lengths.

The heavily backed 5/2 favourite Canal End could find no extra after two out and finished a further three quarters of a length back in third with Ailie Rose completing the places in fourth.

Assistant trainer Patrick Mullins said, "We weren't sure about the ground but we stuck cheek pieces on him and we were getting in with a light weight.

“It was great prize-money so we took our chance and it's brilliant. It's a brilliant pot.

“We were a little disappointed in Cheltenham and thought that was maybe as good as he is but maybe the cheek pieces brought about more improvement.

“He's rated lower over fences but he didn't jump fantastic over fences before. Paul came in there and said he might be better now so we might look at something over fences next.”

Quotes by Gary Carson

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.