Be My Royal completed a hat-trick over hurdles this term when taking the Grade 3 Stayers Novice Hurdle in clearcut fashion at Thurles on Saturday. Ruby Walsh notched up his half century of winners for the season aboard the six-year-old gelding, who was up with the pace throughout and drew clear from the home turn to beat Trevino by 20 lengths.
'He is improving all the time, and will probably go next for a two and a half mile novice at Naas,' said trainer Willie Mullins. Cashmans cut Be My Royal to 10/1 (from 12's) for the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle but Mullins is worried whether he can jump well enough at the speed they will go at Cheltenham.
The Mullins/Walsh team were also fancied to take the EBF Maiden Hurdle with Adamant Approach (2/5-4/11f) but he proved a big disappointment, finding little under pressure after three out as Native Kin kept on well to score by eight lengths.
Rose Of Inchiquin's proven stamina came into play when wearing down Masseuse in the closing stages of the EBF Tattersalls (Ire) Mares Beginners Chase. The pair set down to a battle royal in the straight, with Tommy Treacy's mount rallying under pressure to snatch a neck verdict.
'Tommy said she was never really travelling as well as he would have liked but she's tough. We may go next for a Grade 3 novice at Cork on St Stephens Day,' said trainer Sean Treacy.
