Macville books Cheltenham ticket

Paddy Neville's Macville ran out the impressive winner of the Grade 3 EBF Lough Construction Ltd. Mares Novice Hurdle at Down Royal today, earning the mare a tilt at the Chetlenham Festival next March.

Today's race looked competitive on paper but Macville, under Paul Towned, ran right away from her rivals, for an easy win over Oilily and odds-on favourite Araucaria

Afterwards Askeaton, Co Limerick based Neville stated "she is a super mare and it was worth the drive up from Limerick!"

He added "we weren't concerned about the trip[ and she goes on any ground. We will have to strongly consider going to Cheltenham in March with her now and while Leopardstown over Christmas is also an option, we may give her a break now."

Stan James bookmakers subsequently introduced Macville at 20/1 for the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham.