Former Galway Plate winner Ballyholland returned to action after a layoff at Naas today, finishing third in the Naas Market Re-opening Next Sunday, ahead of his Topham Chase bid next month.

Ridden by Andrew McNamara Ballyholland briefly threatened early in the straight before staying on at the same pace for third behind winner Canaly

Afterwards Ballyholland’s trainer Colin McBratney stated “Andrew was delighted with him today and if he hadn’t missed the third last flight, he may have been closer. The ground was dead enough for him today but he is well on target for the Topham Chase at Aintree next month.”

Thomas Weekes