Ferny Hollow made an impressive return from a lengthy absence when claiming the Grade 3 Newlands Chase at Naas this afternoon.

The Westerner gelding had been out of action since winning the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day 2021.

He went to post a 2/5 shot on his latest comeback and the former Cheltenham Bumper winner showed that he retains plenty of ability.

Paul Townend sat behind the leaders before pulling out to challenge at the second last in the two-miler.

The nine-year-old soon hit the front and despite getting low at the last he always looked in control.

Townend only had to shake him up to assert on the run-in and record a cosy five-and-a-half length win over Rebel Gold

Mullins said afterwards:- “I was happy with him to do that after such a long lay-off. Hopefully now he stays sound so that we can keep him that way.

“He popped over a few hurdles and a few fences yesterday morning and I was happy with him. The conditions of this race suited him a bit better than last week (at Gowran).

“I think he’s still young enough to put in a career best over fences. He just has to overcome this first run and come back sound and we’ll see where we go.

“Paul felt looking at the make up of the race that there would be plenty of pace and we didn’t feel there was much point in taking them on after such a break.

“He settled lovely and even though he’s free going, once you settle him in he listens and responds to you. We were happy to use those tactics and hoped that if he got around safe and sound that he’d be the fastest horse in the straight which he was.

“He’s entered in Cheltenham. It may be a big ask on his second run but we’ll have a look. It may come a bit soon.

“It will be all about how he comes out of the race in the next week, and we’ll probably look for easier options for the time being.”

Paddy Power and Betfair both made the winner a 6/1 shot (from 14/1) for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham next month.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)