Roi the boss for dominant connections Roi Des Francs, on his second start for Gigginstown House Stud and Willie Mullins, brought up a double for the owner, trainer, and rider Bryan Cooper, at Clonmel today, when landing the featured Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle. Roi Des Francs, the 2/1 favourite, led home a one, three, four, for his powerful County Westmeath-based owners, as he added to the gains of Argentino an hour earlier in the opener. In the hoof-prints of the same connections, Don Poli, the 2014 victor, Roi Des Francs, also a son of Poliglote, saw his jumping stand him in good stead over the final two, having himself 'missed' the previous one, three out, at the top of the hill. The crucial 'miss' though, came from the challenging Fine Article at the last, and Roi Des Francs then went on to prevail by two and a quarter lengths, with eight and a half lengths and a neck back to the other pair in the maroon and white, Wrath Of Titans, and Measureofmydreams. "He's an improving sort. I was afraid that the track might be too sharp but he jumps and stays," disclosed Mullins. "The Michael Purcell Hurdle at Thurles might come too soon and he might wait for the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse, for a two half mile novice hurdle, although I'd prefer to go out in trip to three miles. "He's every inch a chaser in the making." The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Kauto Grand Mogol (FR), trained by Miss Elizabeth Doyle, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race. (TW & EM)
