Winter sun no problem as Delvino delivers in style at Naas

Delvino, centre, with Adam Short up, on their way to winning the Happy Christmas From Naas Mares Maiden Hurdle at Naas Racecourse. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The winter sun had a big impact in the early races on the Naas card, resulting in numerous flights and fences being ruled out but, however it affected the individual races, the cream rose to the top in the Happy Christmas From Naas Mares’ Maiden Hurdle, in which Delvino landed the spoils for Dermot McLoughlin and Adam Short.

A mare with plenty of scope, her jumping over the only four obstacles in the race left room for improvement but once they were back on the flat for the half-mile run-in, she could be spotted travelling best of all. Favourite Castra Vetera stuck on well when passed inside the final furlong but the winner was well on top at the line and looks a real prospect.