Cheltenham-bound Passage made of the rite stuff

RITE Of Passage hardened as favourite for the Neptune Investments Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham after recording what his trainer Dermot Weld described as a “satisfactory” win in the Book Your Festival Tickets Hurdle at Punchestown yesterday.

Cheltenham-bound Passage made of the rite stuff
Thu, 18 Feb, 2010 - 00:00
John Ryan

The 2/7 favourite was given a confidence-boosting ride by Robbie McNamara, tracking the leader Hilgib until turning for home and staying on to beat Healys Bar (officially rated 144) by a length, without being asked a serious question.

Rite Of Passage, a six-year-old son of Giant’s Causeway, jumped adequately - being allowed get in close to a couple of flights by McNamara, before asserting with the minimum of fuss.

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CourtsRacingPlace: CheltenhamPlace: PunchestownPlace: Healys BarPlace: Giant’s CausewayPlace: Punchestown PavilionPerson: Of PassagePerson: Dermot WeldPerson: Robbie McNamaraPerson: HilgibPerson: McNamaraPerson: WeldPerson: Paddy PowerPerson: William HillPerson: Willie MullinsPerson: Emmet MullinsPerson: BlackstairmountainPerson: Davy RussellPerson: JETTYMARCPerson: Gerry CrehanPerson: Sabrina HartyPerson: GerryPerson: Tom TaaffePerson: J P McManusPerson: BoulavoguePerson: Paddy FloodPerson: Allee GardePerson: MunsaabPerson: James MotherwayPerson: Colin MotherwayPerson: Gordon ElliottPerson: Cayo LevantadoPerson: Barry CallaghEvent: Festival Tickets HurdleEvent: Festival Hospitality Maiden HurdleEvent: 2008 Punchestown FestivalEvent: Five Day Festival HurdleEvent: ChristmasEvent: Champion HurdleEvent: Cheltenham BumperEvent: Festival Shopping Village Handicap HurdleOrganisation: Neptune InvestmentsOrganisation: Alpine EagleOrganisation: Fighting FifthOrganisation: Boylesports
<p>Amelia Earhart and Ryan Moore win for trainer Aidan O'Brien at Chester. Pic: Healy Racing.</p>

Amelia Earhart leading Oaks challenge for Aidan O’Brien

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