Review NAAS 8TH JAN

Toofarback added to Noel Meade's powerful hand in the novice hurdle division this season by landing the Grade 2 Woodlands Park 100 Slaney Novice Hurdle in determined fashion.

The Niall Madden-ridden gelding landed in front two out and stayed on grimly to beat Vic Venturi by 1 1/2L, with Merdeka the same distance back in third after a slight mistake at the last.

Alexander Taipan dropped out tamely after three out to finish last of the seven runners, and the 7/4 favourite was later found to have pulled a muscle in his hind-quarters.

'I purposely didn't run him over Christmas to keep him for this. He's been working great and is improving all the time,' said Meade.

'He stays well and will be entered for both the Royal & SunAlliance Novice Hurdle and the three miles Brit Insurance,' with Cashmans quoting him at 25/1 for the former.

Meade blamed himself for running Wild Passion too soon after his exertions at Leopardstown when the 4/5 favourite again had to settle for the runner-up spot behind Arteea in the 2m3f novice chase.

McGruders Cross was still traveling well in front when falling at the second last, and Arteea led approaching the final fence before drawing clear on the run-in to score by 6L.

Successful trainer Michael Hourigan is due back today from a holiday in Lanzarote, and his son and namesake said, 'He's a similar type to Hi Cloy being suited to two and a half miles.'

King Johns Castle scored on his first start since joining the Arthur Moore stable when literally edging out evens favourite Snow Tern and Niall Madden in the 2m3f maiden hurdle.

Tony McCoy's mount, well-backed from 7/2 down to 5/2, led two out and the multiple champion firmly closed the door as Madden attempted to get up a narrow gap on the inner after the last.

McCoy was later severely cautioned by the stewards for riding carelessly although strangely no official enquiry was announced much to the annoyance of Snow Tern's trainer Noel Meade.

Charlie Swan will aim Ransboro at a repeat win in Leopardstown after the 7yo benefited from a strong drive by David Casey to overhaul the front-running Rog close home in the 2m4f handicap chase.

'David was at his best and this lad will go back to Leopardstown later this month for a handicap he won last year. He prefers going left-handed,' said Swan.

Casey recorded a double for the second consecutive day and left trainer Willie Mullins pleasantly surprised when Quatre Heures proved a facile winner of the two miles maiden hurdle.

The French-bred gelding cruised to the front between the final two flights, and Casey hardly moved a muscle as he moved 12 lengths clear of Count Kearney.

'He got very upset before the race at Leopardstown last time and in the circumstances ran a fine race but I really thought he would be placed at best today,' said Mullins.

'He'll get a Triumph Hurdle entry now and it will be a nice problem deciding where to run him, Clear Riposte and Mister Hight.'

Cashmans introduced Quatre Heures at 25 /1 for the 'Triumph' behind their 6/1 favourite Mister Hight.

Summerhill based Val Donoghue got his training career off to a dream start when Jamie's Boy finished strongly under Martin Mooney to pip Sea To Sky in the opportunity handicap hurdle.

The former assistant to Oliver Brady only got a restricted licence two months ago and, having done the trainers course, hopes to upgrade that to a full licence soon.

The 20/1 winner paid over 36/1 on the Tote and played a key role for two lucky jackpot punters who each received e10,859, while the placepot pool of e1,339 is carried forward to Limerick on Thursday.

Cullane Boy (Andrew Duff) may head for the Cheltenham Festival after landing the bumper by two and a half lengths from staying on newcomer Boujis Bhoys, who met some interference about two furlongs out.

Alan Magee