More Naas joy for Al Mohalhal Try as she might Cool Thunder couldn't get to the front-running 11/10 favourite, Al Mohalhal, as the favourite took the three runner Hospitality At Naas Race. Winner of the Birdcatcher over the course and distance back in October, Al Mohalhal gave his all for Kevin Manning, who always looked happy enough that he'd hold the runner-up. In the end the Jim Bolger-trained winner scored by half a length from Cool Thunder. There was a length and a quarter to the other participant, Vitello. "His run in Leopardstown the last day was very good," reflected Manning. He added: "He's very straight forward. We tried dropping him in over a variety of trips but riding that way today and dropping back in trip suited him. That's two good back-to-back runs, and he should be able to win another few." Meanwhile Ger Flynn, assistant to Bolger said: "We'll probably stick to his own age group for a while. He's grown up a lot and is progressing. That seems to be the way to ride him." (AM & EM)
