Unaccompanied excels at Naas

Unaccompanied could not have made a more pleasing return over hurdles when scooping Listed honours at Naas.

The Dermot Weld-trained filly, runner-up in last season’s Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, eased clear of Sailors Warn to take the Naas Vet Panel Supporting Racing Fishery Lane Hurdle by three lengths.

Having been sharpened up by a recent outing on the Flat at Leopardstown, the Moyglare Stud-owned four-year-old was having just her fifth start over hurdles and was returned the 1-2 favourite under Paul Townend.

Weld said: “That was a very pleasing performance and was very professional from both Unaccompanied and Paul – she won as you would expect her to.

“Where to next is not known. I’ll speak to her owner, but she is entered in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle and we’ll look at that.

“We’ll see how she comes out of this race and will also be entered up over Christmas – I thought she was impressive there and there’s lots to look forward to.”

Quel Esprit had earlier returned to form in the Become A Naas Annual Member Chase.

The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old failed to complete in three prior starts, including in the RSA Chase, but everything came together nicely here.

Townend’s companion jumped fluently from the outset before stretching clear three out.

The 8-13 favourite was then not hard pressed in recording a seven-length verdict over Foildubh.

Mullins said: “Quel Esprit looks to have got his confidence back after that. However, I’m mindful of what happened to him last year when we stepped up him to Grade One company and he fell three times – if we could get numbers rather that letters beside his name, that would be the main aim.

“If he keeps his jumping together we could have a nice season and we’ll try to find a Graded race on the way to Christmas with him now.

“We’ll go up in grade slowly, though. He schooled well at home recently and that translated that to the racecourse - I think he wants a trip and wouldn’t mind three miles.”