Trifolium books Cheltenham ticket

Trifolium (7/4f), carrying the 'Ryanair colours' of Gigginstown House Stud's Michael O'Leary, booked his Cheltenham ticket with an impressive win in the Grade 2 Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown today, proving much too good for five rivals.

Ridden by Davy Russell, the son of Goldneyev led clear entering the straight before staying on strongly for an easy nine lengths win over Simenon Caolaneoin who briefly threatened after three out, faded on the run-in to take third.

Following the win, winning trainer Charles Byrnes said “I’m very happy with that. He’s prefer better ground, like most horses.

“He’ll probably now go for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham after that. When he does learn to settle he could be very good – behind So Young he was very free but he settled much better there and had more energy left at the line.”

Stan James Bookmakers subsequently cut Trifolium to 14/1, from 40s, for the Supreme Novices Hurdle.

As an aside to the race, one who certainly won’t have been surprised with the ease of Trifolium’s win was the National Hunt handicapper whose 140 mark for the winner certainly doesn’t overestimate the winner’s ability!