Granite on top at Naas again

Course and distance scorer Sizing Granite (7/2), who lowered the colours of subsequent dual Grade 1 hurdling victor, Lieutenant Colonel, here in early November, struck again at Naas in the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Novice Chase.

The Henry De Bromhead-trained, and Jonathan Burke-ridden, Sizing Granite, was only third market choice, having unseated rider in the interim at Punchestown.

Here Blood Cotil headed the betting at 10/11, and though he came home well from behind, he was two and a quarter lengths and half a length adrift of Sizing Granite and Fine Rightly (5/2 2nd fav) at the line.

"That was good under the penalty although we had Johnny's claim as well," said de Bromhead.

"He was very disappointing the last day and I think I ran him back too soon as it was only two weeks since his previous run.

"He took a long time to come to himself and we had to leave him off for a year after he won his point-to-point.

"I hope he just needs a good break between his races. We couldn't find anything amiss last time but he just didn't travel.

"I was hoping that was the case coming here and that nearly proved it for me.

"He's a far better horse fresh. He was bulling going around here. I thought he maybe had grown up in Punchestown but I'd say he needs to be bulling.

"He'll get a long break before his next run and we'll stick to two miles. We'll probably enter him in the Arkle but I'll see what Alan and Ann (Potts, owners) want to do.

"He'd be going there as an outsider but he jumps and gallops and as we see in these novice chases anything can happen.

"He'd go there a fresh horse and the better ground would suit."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Blood Cotil (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

R. Walsh, rider of Blood Cotil (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was impeded on the landing side of the first fence which resulted in his mount losing ground and being further off the pace than intended.

(GC & EM)