Ballyward wins 1st race over fences in Naas Grade Three

Placed in a point-to-point at the beginning of his career Ballyward broke his maiden at the second attempt over racecourse fences in the Grade Three Naas Racecourse Business Club Novice Chase.

A lightly-raced and improving type, Ballyward is a half-brother to recent Fairyhouse mares maiden hurdle victor Ifyoucatchmenow.

Willie Mullins handles this pair and on this occasion Ballyward was fighting it out with Discorama when that fellow fell at the last.

Favourite Chris's Dream had no more to give from the front from before the last and he was left to chase home Ballyward at a distance of eleven lengths. Champagne Classic ran really well on his return from a 641 day break to end up a length and a quarter back in third.

It's been a good week for Ballyward's owners, Andrea and Graham Wylie, after their success with Invitation Only in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran on Thurday. Mullins and the winning jockey here, Ruby Walsh, combined for that victory as well.

“I’m delighted with that considering it was just his second run over fences. Whether we give him another run over a shorter trip for experience before Cheltenham I’m not sure," said Mullins.

“I’d imagine the RSA will be the race for him. He has lots of stamina and seems to jump well enough.”

Boylesports have introduced the winner at 14/1 for the RSA Chase and cut him into 8/1 (from 16/1) for the four-mile NH Chase.

(AM & EM)