Barrow Drive cannot be opposed
This contest, however, has cut up very badly and the way looks clear for Tony Mullins’ gelding to complete a five-timer.
He really came of age, against much more experienced rivals, at Gowran Park last time. The six-year-old jumped with great assurance to beat Cregg House a cosy three and a half lengths.
These fences demand plenty of respect so, hopefully, Barrow Drive will produce a similar display and that should see him safely home in front.
Mullins’ The Galway Man gets the nap to make a succcessful debut over flights in the opening INH Stallion Owners’ Novice Hurdle.
He was one of the best bumper horses in the country last season and is sure to have been well schooled for this initial test.
The Galway Man started by scoring to the tune of 12 lengths at Leopardstown in February and followed with half a length second to The Biker in a hot winners’ race at Fairyhouse.
Hardy Eustace is a hopeful choice to take the first division of the Narraghmore Maiden Hurdle.
Aother useful bumper performer, he warmed for this when fifth in the flat race won by Forida Coast at Navan last month.
The highly rated Friend’s Amigo gets the nod in the second. He was impresssive when taking a bumper at Naas a year ago and the booking of Ruby Walsh is obviously significant.
Limestone Lad will be the major attraction at Navan tomorrow, in the Philips’ Electronics Lismullen Hurdle.
He got beaten in this race last year, by Liss A Paoraigh, but can now reverse the placings.
Liss A Paoraigh lacks a recent outing, while Limestone Lad had a spin round the Curragh a couple of weeks back in the Irish Cesarewitch.
Edward O’Grady and Norman Williamson can team up for a double with Glenhaven Nugget and Over The Bar.
Glenhaven Nugget made an excellent start over flights at Thurles, beating Woodys Deep Ocean cosily, and is nap material in the For Auction Novice Hurdle.
Over The Bar, a smashing novice hurdler, can get away to a flier over fences in the Beginners Chase.
He rounded off last season’s campaign with a creditable second to Galileo (Pol.) in the Royal and SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Of course two miles and a furlong is on the short side, but his class can pull him through on this stiff track.
Fadoudal Du Cochet appears nicely treated by the conditions of the Fortria Chase and gets the vote.
The Stewards of the Turf Club have confirmed the appointment of Paul Hensey as General Manager of the Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds on a full time basis with immediate effect.
Paul, a former Racing Official, has been Acting Manager of the Racecourse and Training Grounds since March.
Paul (34) joined the Turf Club in 1996 as a Racing Official. Since then he has spent most of his time working as a Stipendiary Steward. A native of Newbridge, he was educated at Newbridge College and also attended the Irish National Stud, Stud Management Course.
Prior to joining the Turf Club he worked with a number of leading Trainers as Assistant Trainer including John Oxx and Michael Dickinson.
He was also Manager of Loughbrown and Dunmurry Studs.
Commenting on the appointment, the Senior Steward of the Turf Club Raymond J. Rooney said: “We are delighted to be able to appoint Paul who has a vast knowledge of racing. He joins us at a most exciting time in the history of the Curragh with major plans being finalised for the Stands redevelopment.”
