Velvet Maker puts in a great leap at Naas© Photo Healy Racing
Velvet Maker on his first start for Alan Fleming, gave jockey Adrian Heskin a great spin as the pair blitzed their rivals in the beginners' chase at Naas.
The six-year-old gelding made light of an absence of 236 days as he jumped from fence to fence in this two mile race and travelled powerfully turning for home.
Heskin didn't have to get serious with him as he cleared the last and strode away to put 11 lengths on Dysios (10/1). A Sizing Network was three lengths back in third at 13/2. The winner was backed in the ring from 2/1 to 11/8. My Hometown the 5/4 favourite, came in fourth.
Adrian Heskin said: "It was special. It was as good as buzz as I got off a two mile chaser I'd say. He's not the biggest in the world but loads of scope.
"He travels down to a fence and he'd give you the feel of a real good one which we think he is. So hopefully he can go on from this.
"Hugely impressive. He's quite a keen goer. The lads at home have done a fabulous job with him. His schooling was spot on coming here today. We couldn't really pick any holes in him and he did himself justice.
"He was able to dictate away there. On his first run today he was just a big gassy. The better the race the more he'll settle. Possibly next year he might get further. I'd say for this season when he is so enthusiastic two miles is enough for him."
Handler Alan Fleming added: "We're very happy with him. Adrian said he had loads of horse at the finish and he was very happy.
"He jumped a little high but he'll come down no problem. We think he's a proper two mile horse as he has loads and loads of pace.
"If his jumping gets a little slicker he'll be a right horse.
"He looks like he does things easily but he actually puts a lot into it so we'll let him tell us when he's ready to go again.
"There are a few options for him ahead of Christmas."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
