Brechin Castle defies 803-day layoff to land Naas spoils
LORDING IT: Brechin Castle wins the William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Maiden Hurdle in the hands of Paul Townend. Picture: Healy Racing
Brechin Castle overcame an 803-day absence when making a successful stable debut for Willie Mullins in the William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Maiden Hurdle which opened Wednesday’s action in Naas.
Now an eight-year-old, the Shantou gelding, winner of two bumpers for Ben Brookhouse in England but off the track since December 2023, the 2-7 favourite dictated the pace, was joined and headed briefly by Famous Figure between the last two flights before reasserting and drawing clear on the run-in to score by six and a half lengths.
Brechin Castle was the only ride of the day for multiple champion Paul Townend, who said: “He’s a lovely bonny horse and has been off a long time, so it’s great to have him back on track.
“He popped away in front and, what looked like a race, was settled quick enough. He had a decent level of bumper form and retains plenty of his ability. He had a little blow, so he should improve from today.”
Henry de Bromhead received a timely pre-Cheltenham boost when Bokamsin, in the colours of Philip Reynolds, made all under Darragh O’Keeffe to record a six-length win over Tip Of The Wings in the Jumps Finale At Naas Sunday 8th March Rated Novice Hurdle.
“We didn’t go quick the last day, he missed a couple of hurdles and was caught on the back foot,” explained O’Keeffe. “We decided to buck him out and make him do it. He jumped brilliant and put up a good performance.
“I was happy after jumping a couple of hurdles — he pricked his ears and was enjoying himself. He’s a fine, big horse and just took time to come to himself. I hope he builds on this. And he’ll be nice over fences.”
Declan Queally, who reported Grade One winner and stable star I’ll Sort That in great fettle ahead of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham next Wednesday, was successful in the claimer as Rockys Howya (Kevin Healy) made all and romped home a 21-length winner over Fenway Park.
“That’s his thing,” declared Queally. “He’s had plenty of issues, tendon issues twice, and we’ve never really had a clear run with him. The visors help him and Kevin is good value for his 7lb claim. So we’re delighted to win with him again.”
Healy completed his first double when implementing similar, front-running tactics on board the Cian Collins-trained 12-1 shot Walk In The Clouds in the Lily & Wild Restaurant First Year Anniversary Mares Handicap Hurdle, holding off Annie Button by three-quarters of a length.
In-form trainer Philip Dempsey made it three winners in as many days when Umpire’s Call, positively ridden by Keith Donoghue, dug deep to see off Only For Our Man in the William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle.
“That was great,” said Dempsey. “He’s a huge horse and got injured last year. But his owners have been patient and he’s only coming to himself. The drop in class, into a handicap, helped him and he jumped well. He’s a chaser in the making.”
Donoghue completed a double when Let’s Go Mans, trained by Gavin Cromwell, landed a gamble (14-1 to 4-1) in the finale, the William Hill Each Way Extra Series Handicap Hurdle, getting the better of Mickey Hulie and hat-trick-seeking favourite Brown Boots (rider Brian Hayes received a two-day whip ban) after a titanic tussle.
The five-year-old, who had shown little in three maiden hurdles and was last seen when runner-up in a Punchestown point-to-point last month, was wearing a tongue-tie for the first time.
Pat Foley, trainer of favourite Cathryns Ruby (finished sixth), had enjoyed better luck earlier when Alex Harvey partnered handicap debutante Rathbawn Soldier (12-1) to take the William Hill-sponsored, 0-100 mares handicap hurdle, at the expense of Classy Cc.
