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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Wide margin win for Gentleman de Mee

Thu 10th Feb 2022, 14:19

Gentleman de Mee and Mark Walsh
Gentleman de Mee and Mark Walsh
© Photo Healy Racing

Only two horses counted from flagfall in the BetVictor Beginners Chase as 15/8 second-favourite Embrun Mitja tried his best to keep tabs on 1/2 favourite Gentleman de Mee

The latter came clear under Mark Walsh from the second-last as his two-years older rival could find no more and the Saint Des Saints gelding, runner-up to Haut En Couleurs at Leopardstown over Christmas, safely negotiated the final fence before sauntering home by all of 34 lengths.

The winner, who was sent off 4/1 favourite for last year’s Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle which was won by stablemate Galopin Des Champs, is trained by Willie Mullins who remarked: "That was a good performance and he got his jumping right. He galloped to the line which was very pleasing and we'll keep him at that trip for the time being.

"He is very hard on himself and mightn't be ready to go across the water just yet. I think he might be a horse we keep at home and find races which might suit him.

"The Arkle isn't foremost on my mind and I'll have a word with connections but the Flyingbolt Chase at Navan (March 5) is an option. We'll try and play a lower ball and try and win a Graded race at home."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.