Mount Colah returns to the winners enclosure after his victory© Photo Healy Racing
Just six went to post for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle (Spring Hawk was a non-runner) with the Jerry Cosgrave trained Mount Colah coming out on top under claiming, amateur Noel McParlan.
Returned at just 5/2, the winner was well backed having opening this morning with Paddy Powers at 9/2 and on-course at 7/2.
He took up the lead at the second flight and made all from there, travelling well turning for home.
He jumped left at the last but kept on well when ridden out to score by a length and three parts at the line.
The Oliver Brady trained Audrelles Lad ran yet another good race to finish second under Mattie Bowes at 7/1 while the 2/1 favourite Passage Vendome could only manage fourth under Emmet Mullins for his uncle Willie.
The winning 6yo son of Beneficial started off his career by winning a point-to-point at Loughbrickland in March of last year. He then was placed in two bumpers and two hurdles before he won his bumper at Down Royal on St Stephen’s Day.
He disappointed on his next start in a decent bumper at the Punchestown Festival but he bounced back to form last time out to take his maiden hurdle at Down Royal last month.
Winning, Banbridge Co Down based, trained Jerry Cosgrave said afterwards: "He tanks all the time in front and he needs to switch off a bit. If he settled better he would stay further. He is fine as long as he keeps winning over two miles.
"He hung left a bit and I thought he had fluffed his chance at the last. Galway is next up for him, ground permitting. He will go the winner novice hurdle on the Tuesday."
(On-course reporting by Thomas Weekes)
