Smooth success for Willie Mullins' classy Bellshill

Champion trainer Willie Mullins won the Grade 2 Navan Novice Hurdle for the fourth time in five years when Bellshill, ridden by Ruby Walsh, proved an impressive twelve lengths winner of yesterday’s feature in Navan.

Winner of the Grade 1 bumper at the Punchestown Festival and successful on his hurdling debut in Cork, the 2/5 favourite tracked stable-companion Stone Hard until the leader unshipped Paul Townend at the seventh flight.

Left in front, Bellshill was tackled turning for home by Tycoon Prince but soon after the second last it was clear that Ruby was in control and Bellshill forged clear in the heavy ground to score in great style.