18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Mullins quartet catch the eye at Naas

Relegate (centre) pictured with Carefully Selected and Tornado Flyer after winning at CheltenhamRelegate (centre) pictured with Carefully Selected and Tornado Flyer after winning at Cheltenham
© Photo Healy Racing

The arrival of rain at last has been a welcome boost to many jumps trainers, and has encouraged them to declare a bumper 131 runners — plus reserves — on a seven-race card at Naas.

Champion trainer Willie Mullins has four very interesting runners on Tuesday, including Face The Facts in the opening 2019 Naas Membership Maiden Hurdle.

The Nathaniel gelding was a useful stayer on the Flat with John Gosden, winning a two-mile Listed race at Newmarket before being snapped up by current connections for 100,000 guineas.

The four-year-old been given time to settle into life at Closutton, and this 2m3f trip on a galloping track should prove ideal.

Paul Townend is also on board Duc Des Genievres in the Kildare Now Beginners Chase.

The French-bred grey failed to win in five starts over hurdles for Mullins last term but kept top class company and was placed twice in Grade One events.

He filled the runner-up spot behind Samcro in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown, and is an exciting recruit to fences.

Former stable companion Carter McKay, now in the care of Gordon Elliott, is among his 17 rivals — which also include Ex Patriot and A Plus Tard.

Ruby Walsh has just the one ride but could well be on the mark with Relegate in the Clinton Higgins Chartered Accountants Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The Flemensfirth mare was a top-class bumper performer last season, winning three times — including the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival.

She was unfortunate not to make a winning start over hurdles at Punchestown last month when hampered after the last by the subsequently demoted Cuneo.

Pont Aval, a Soldier Of Fortune half-sister to Pont Alexandre and third on her debut at Galway, is partnered by Mullins’ son Patrick in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Flat Race.

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.