High profile ex-Irish pointers begin cross-channel

Two of the big names from the Irish point-to-point scene begin their careers under Rules cross-channel today when Valentine Vic contests the bumper at Wincanton and Master Of The Hall runs in the equivalent contest at Sandown.

Valentine Vic won under Richie Harding for Liam Burke at Knockanard and Dromahane. He carried the Twist Magic colours of Barry Fulton to both these impressive wins.

He beat Thehillofuisneach, a subsequent winner, first time up, and interestingly that fellow was acquired later by Highflyer Bloodstock for £80,000 for Dai Walters. Like Valentine Vic, he is now also under the care of Paul Nicholls.

A Tom Costello graduate, Valentine Vic is from the family of Moorcroft Boy and Liam Burke said of him after he scored at Dromahane: "This fellow was a little keen here today, but he's a class horse. He will be even better going a good gallop over two miles."

Master Of The Hall, meanwhile, overcame a less than clever effort at the final fence, to justify support from 5/2 into 7/4, accounting for Ballycracken by a length and a half at Dromahane on New Year's Eve.

Trained by Pat Doyle then, the son of Saddlers' Hall, out of a half-sister to Sound Man, appealed as a bumper prospect on that performance.

Bought after that for £80,000 at Cheltenham January Sale by Highflyer Bloodstock, Nicky Henderson was going to unleash him in the spring but decided against it.

Henderson has described Master Of The Hall as a good looking and very scopey individual - a very exciting prospect. Tony McCoy rides him in the 3.50 at Sandown today.

Ruby Walsh will get the leg-up on Valentine Vic in 4.00 at Wincanton. He has a strong book of rides there - Pepe Simo (12.40), Now Listen To Me (1.15), Pepite De Soleil (1.45), Celestial Halo (2.15), Gullible Gordon (has a fascinating clash with Kangaroo Court in the 2.50) and The Tother One (3.25).

Two other ex-Irish 'pointers' worthy of note in the Sandown bumper at 3.50 are Kilmallock winner (for Michael Butler) Rebel Rebellion and Wayward Prince. Charlie Mann now has Rebel Rebellion and he is highly regarded.

Wayward Prince, who like Master Of The Hall, was with Pat Doyle, won at Carrigtwohill back in February and now begins life with Ian Williams. He is seen as a staying chaser of the future.