Weld considers Rite future

DERMOT WELD’s Rite Of Passage was a strong favourite for the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle, but could only manage third.

Surprisingly, he was ridden more prominently than might have been expected, at least early in the race, but he held every chance off the home turn. But he couldn’t match strides with Reve de Sivola, himself run out of it from the final flight by the tough Peddlers Cross and Jason Maguire.

Weld said of Rite Of Passage: “We’re pleased, because the horse has run well on only his third start over hurdles.