Cilaos back in style in Naas opener

Cilaos Emery bounced back to winning ways in the opening Grade 3 chase at Naas this afternoon.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding had been turned over at a short price when last seen in the Clonmel Oil Chase in November but it proved plain sailing for the 1/2 favourite this afternoon.

Paul Townend bounced out in front on the Califet gelding and he jumped well at the head of affairs.

The nine-year-old did get close to the fourth last and was pressed by Daly Tiger A fine leap at the second last gave him the advantage and he asserted before the final fence.

Cilaos Emery cruised home on the run-in to post an 11-length success.

Mullins said afterwards:- “The break did him no harm and he’s come back good and strong. He jumped great and I was really pleased with that. We’ll try and find another similar type race for him.

“I don’t know if he’ll travel (entered in the Champion Chase and Ryanair at Cheltenham) on that and there might be nice prizes on the home front. It’s good to get him back to winning ways.

“We did a lot of work on his jumping and I’m very pleased it has paid off.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)