The Dessie Hughes trained Canaly completed a hat-trick of wins in the opening Mullinavat Novice Hurdle at Gowran today.

Ridden by capable claimer Bryan Cooper, the son of Bob Back ran out the comfortable three lengths winner over The Bull Hayes

Afterwards Hughes stated “Canaly is a nice horse who is stepping up the ladder all the time. He’ll probably go to Punchestown next but he’ll hardly take in Fairyhouse too as they are so close together.”

“He’d prefer two and a half miles when stepped up in class and, being by Bob Back, has a preference for better ground.” Shot From The Hip was a warm order in the race but the 4/7 favourite was in trouble a long way out and was subsequently found to be coughing post-race.

Thomas Weekes