Saint Roi and Paul Townend© Photo Healy Racing
Saint Roi put a Clonmel disappointment firmly in the past when winning the David Flynn Building Contractors Maiden Hurdle at Tramore very much as his ease.
‘Threes on’ for his Irish debut at Powerstown Park last month, Saint Roi was a considerably easier to back 5/2 second favourite on this occasion, as the money came for Epson Du Houx (2/1 into 11/8).
It was no contest from two out though as the Willie Mullins-trained and Paul Townend-ridden Saint Roi powered away to account for Arcadian Sunrise and the aforementioned Epson Du Houx, by nine lengths and three parts of a length.
The J P McManus-owned victor was dropping to two miles after running over an extended 'two three' at Clonmel.
“He didn’t jump the last day and I said to Paul to have him nicely warmed up before the race. We worked on him since and it must have worked as he jumped very well," said Mullins.
“We won’t aim too high and could look for a rated novice or something like that. He could be a good novice by the time Punchestown comes around and will jump a fence in time.
“I’m delighted to get a few quid off the sponsor David Flynn as I know him for years and it’s a good way to start the New Year.”
P.T. Enright, rider of Thunder Mike trained by Eamonn Francis Gallagher, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left.
Following a request from broadcasters, the Stewards granted permission for the following delays: Race 1 2 minutes
(AM & EM)
