Mozoltov steps into the final fence but survived the error© Photo Healy Racing
The Woodlands Park 100 Club Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase at Naas today had all the makings of a 'nothing' Grade 2 contest and that it proved, as long odds-on 2/13 favourite Mozoltov survived first fence near-calamity before winning hard held for trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Bryan Cooper.
Mozoltov, carrying the colours of Gigginstown House Stud and facing the similarly owned Folsom Blue along with Ted Walsh trained mare Summer Star nearly exited jumping the first fence as the gelding seemed to reach for that fence, with Cooper doing well to avoid being unseated.
From there it was mostly plain sailing for Mozoltov, maintaining a clear lead throughout. He did make another fairly serious error at the final fence but was able to saunter to an effortless 35 lengths over Folsom Blue, who got the better of Summer Star from the last.
Afterwards Mullins stated “he hasn't been making those mistakes before but I feel it was more to do with him not having company today and being out on his own throughout.
“He's in the JLT Novice Chase (at Cheltenham) and we'll see how he comes out of this before making any plans.”
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
