Mullins eyes Royal Bond for Aramon

Willie Mullins' Aramon took some notable scalps when landing the Grade Three For Auction Novice Hurdle at Navan.

He went off an 8/1 shot behind his stablemate and 7/4 chance Quick Grabim and even-money-favourite Felix Desjy

The five-year-old gelding was held up by Paul Townend and travelled well as he took closer order two out.

He arrived full of running to a narrow lead at the last from Magnium and strode right away on the run-in to score by three lengths.

Magnium took the runner-up berth at 20/1. Quick Grabim finished fourth with Felix Desjy last of the seven runners.

Willie Mullins said: “That's a huge improvement for him and he showed a lot more speed than we thought he had.

“You'd probably have to look at the Royal Bond now.

“He ran very green in Listowel and I asked Paul not to make as much use of him as he did there and see what he would do so we are pleasantly surprised at how he took to the change of tactics.

“Paul didn't think he had a turn of foot going out but he was too green in front in Listowel so I told him to get a lead the whole way.

“He lost his off fore shoe and he got a nice little cut as did Quick Grabim. It must have been a rougher race than we thought.

“They got two little cuts on the sides of their pasterns. I hope they are just typical racing injuries that will be alright in ten days time.”

Paul Townend added: "It was a surprise but Quick Grabim had to give us all a bit of weight which is hard for novices.

"It was a pleasant surprise and he is improving. He had improved again from Listowel and hopefully he can keep improving.

"It was (a case of playing his cards late). We weren't sure going out where the pace was going to come from and we just didn't want to be setting it up. It all worked out well for us."

BoyleSports and Paddy Power both introduced Aramon at 25/1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

The Stewards enquired into the reason why E.T. Daly, rider, was jogging on the racing line in the back straight during the running of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who apologised for what had occurred. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards cautioned the rider to be more careful when out on the course in future.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Felix Desjy (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson