No Risk for 2/9 backers

A couple of significant non-runners saw No Risk No Fun go off at 2/9 for the McSweeney Brothers Maiden Hurdle and the dual bumper winner made all under Paul Townend to win by ten lengths. Pro Bono came in second with Neigh Botha a further three and a half lengths back in third.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins commented: "He was very good to jump and he did it the hard way, I suppose.

“He's a nice novice to look forward to for Dai Walters. Tipperary might come too soon and we'll find somewhere after that in about a month's time.

“If he keeps progressing he could be a Royal Bond horse. That would be the plan at the moment, if he keeps progressing, to go that direction.

“Paul wasn't going to hang around on him and he kept galloping the whole way to the line.

“I was wondering going to the second last if he was getting tired because I thought Paul was pushing him but then he seemed to open up then when he got into the straight.

“He appeared to have plenty in the tank and he's a nice horse to look forward to.”

Quotes from Gary Carson