Review GOWRAN PARK 24TH NOV

Aranleigh's winning debut over hurdles was the highlight of a treble for Andrew McNamara at Gowran Park on Saturday.

Tony Mullins' charge had to work hard to land the spoils, however, catching front-runner Made In Taipan late on for a head verdict in the Porters Saddlery Maiden Hurdle.

Last season's Cheltenham bumper third travelled well throughout but came under pressure before the second last and McNamara had to get serious.

'Andrew said he was lazy. I suppose that's a good thing - he is certainly relaxed,' said Mullins.

'He's so relaxed he's going to need experience. When he won his schooling hurdle he had no opposition and went around asleep. He learnt a bit today and will hopefully improve.

'Cheltenham is the target if he's good enough. Before he goes for a Grade 1 or 2 he'll run in a winners of one. He's just a good horse that needs to learn a lot.'

Mullins completed a double in the concluding bumper when front-runner Kennedy Hill rallied gamely to see off the challenge of newcomer Orpheus Valley by a head.

'I think a lot of him,' said Mullins. 'He only won a head and beat a horse we don't know but if it turns out a good race he could go straight to Cheltenham.'

McNamara had got off to a winning start aboard Shazand in the opener as Edward O'Grady's charge ran out a cosy 10-length winner.

Sophocles, runner-up in the Cheltenham bumper, made his debut over jumps but proved no match for Shazand, who kicked clear before the turn to settle matters.

'We're delighted he has finally broke his duck but it's a bit disappointing it took him so long,' said O'Grady.

'Two things made a difference. Maybe the change in tactics and the fact that this wasn't as good a race. It was a very very good race at Punchestown last time.'

McNamara completed his treble when teaming up again with O'Grady as Kasimali claimed the three-mile handicap hurdle.

Blackwater View established a big lead early but McNamara crept closer turning for home and hit the lead between the last two for a cosy two-and-a-half-length win.

'He disappointed in the North last time when I thought he threw in the towel,' admitted O'Grady. 'Maybe the longer trip today made a difference.'

The biggest pot of the day was for the 26,000 novice chase and Kilcrea Castle graduated from point-to-pointing in fine style.

Pat Doyle's charge moved up to challenge two out and was left in the lead as Will Be Done partnered company with Davy Condon. He pulled clear after the last, under Davy Russell, to record a nine-length verdict over Luxi River.

Maucaillou had to survive a steward's enquiry after emerging on top from a fantastic duel with Condara in the Thomastown Handicap Hurdle while the Irish Racing Yearbook Handicap Chase also produced a great finish with Johnee Joblot edging out long-timer leader Gaspar close home.