Beast sets ball rolling on good day for Nolan team Owners the Coffey and Buckley families and the Paul Nolan team had a St Stephen's Day to remember initiated by Release The Beast's win under Jordan Gainford in the O'Kelly Brothers Demolition Rated Novice Chase at Limerick. They had An Peann Dearg (Sean O'Keeffe) come out on top in a blanket finish to the penultimate event at Leopardstown. At Greenmount Park meanwhile Release The Beast (7/4) had things a bit more comfortable at the finish as he had six lengths in hand over Enjoy The Dream. Favourite Foxy Girl could do no better than last of the four to complete. "He was a big baby last year and I know he the maiden hurdle he won last year wasn't a great race but he disappointed us afterwards. We loved him but I'd say he just wasn't able for what we were doing with him," said James Nolan in the aftermath. "He has been a different horse since he came back in and had a lovely run the first day back. He has learned to settle and jump but today's race was only a restricted novice so we'll see where he goes from here. "He is definitely a nice horse though, loves that ground and I'm delighted for the owners who are great supporters of the yard. Getting a winner on the first day over Christmas lifts the pressure so this is super." (TW & EM)
