Firm ground the key for Teach Nua

Dermot Weld's Teach Nua belied a lack of market confidence to easily win the Boyle Novice Hurdle at Roscommon today, benefiting from the capable guidance of jockey Paul Townend.

Townend held the son of Val Royal up in mid-division before steadily moving his way through the field to lead at the final flight, staying on well for a two and a half lengths win over gambled on Sinntaran (13/2 - 9/2).

Weld was absent but Townend did mention “the ground at Downpatrick the last day was much too soft for Teach Nua and today he jumped well and traveled great the whole way.”