Venalmar handed festival quote

Venalmar earned a 33-1 quote for the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham after a battling performance at Naas.

However, it was runner-up Trafford Lad who emerged with most credit as he shouldered a 7lb penalty when only beaten a head in the Woodlands Park 100 Slaney Novice Hurdle.

The Grade One winner stayed on stoutly in the closing stages but the Mouse Morris-trained Venalmar proved remarkably game, giving his all for Paddy Flood to just hold on at the line.

Connections of the winner had to endure a nervous wait though, as the stewards called an inquiry after the 5-2 chance appeared to drift markedly left at the final flight.

The stewards soon confirmed the result, however, leaving Morris a very happy man.

“He’s a nice type, he has the makings of a nice horse,” said the handler.

“He’s a big baby yet. He’s a horse for next year really but we might chance it (Cheltenham) this year.”

William Hill make Venalmar a 33-1 shot for the Ballymore while the runner-up was cut to 20-1 from 25s for the same event by Cashmans.