Naples takes advantage as Ballyhoctor refuses to start

FAVOURITE backers knew their fate early at Roscommon last night when 13/8 shot Ballyhoctor refused to start in the Athleague Novice Hurdle.

Ruby Walsh’s mount, a winner at Galway last time, dug his heels in when his seven rivals jumped off for a race which was won by the Noel Meade-trained Naples, ridden by stable jockey Paul Carberry.

Naples, who had won his Bumper at the Galway Festival, is seen as a stayer in the making by trainer Meade who will look for a suitable novice opportunity for the six-year-old before giving him a winter break in preparation for a spring and summer campaign next year.