McManus and Walsh double up at Naas

There was a second winner in succession for J P McManus and Mark Walsh at Naas as the Joseph O’Brien-trained Entoucas (4/5) justified odds-on favouritism in the O’Driscoll O’Neil Supporting Kill GAA Maiden Hurdle.

Three out and we had a horrible incident in this big field near two miler. Village Mystic (Sean Flanagan) was just behind the leaders when falling and bringing down Scully’s Dream (Mark Bolger).

Several in behind were impeded in this incident whilst from the front Entoucas got it done by five lengths from Fakiera (7s — 8s — 7/2 second favourite).

The Gordon Elliott-trained runner-up represented sponsor Tim O’Driscoll.

Entoucas is of course the horse that knocked over photographer Pat Healy at Navan in November. Aramax won the previous race for McManus and Walsh and after this win the owner’s racing manager Frank Berry said: “He's been knocking on the door, his form is solid and it's nice to get that out of the way.

“He liked the bit of nice ground and he's a good genuine horse. He'll jump a fence in time, he's a grand big horse.

“He's very straight-forward and it was just unfortunate that day in Navan. It's lovely to get that out of the way and he enjoyed himself.

“He's rated 131 and we might look for a nice handicap somewhere.”

Under the provisions of Rule 90, the Stewards allowed Feathered Gold trained by P. Corkery, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the error identified in the certification of vaccinations would be corrected in accordance with Rule 91 within the timeframe specified.

At the request of the Stewards, K.C. Sexton, rider of Enjoy D'allen (FR), trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was unable to go the fast early pace but stayed on in the closing stages. He felt that his mount would be better suited to racing over a longer trip.

At the request of the Stewards, C.A. Landers, rider of Rough Terain trained by C.Byrnes, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount travelled well until weakening after the third last hurdle but still stayed on from thereon.

A. McCurtin, rider of Golden Treat trained by Timothy Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was badly hampered by the fallers at the third last hurdle.

(GC & EM)