4.15 3m. 170yds. 18 Declared. Naas Hunters S'chase of €13,500.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €8,100.00 2nd - €2,700.00 3rd - €1,350.00 4th - €675.00 5th - €405.00 6th - €270.00
FormscanBy Michael Graham - Terrific fare. Patrick Mullins said that BILLAWAY's jumping is getting quicker and slicker after the pair obliged at Down Royal in December. Doubtless all roads lead back to the Foxhunter at the Cheltenham Festival where he finished second last March. He won this race by eight lengths last year and looks the one to beat. His stablemate Dragon D'estruval could improve upon a third place at Kirkistown in November. That was his first run since switching to Willie Mullins from Nicky Henderson. It Came To Pass was the horse that beat Billaway (by 10 lengths) in Cheltenham and should be fitter from his fourth in a hunters chase at Fairyhouse in November. David Christie sends On The Sod down from the north, and this nine-year-old gelding is unbeaten in five appearances albeit left clear at the last when in a battle at Kirkistown in November. He's a strong galloper who won a hunters chase at Downpatrick in March by 14 lengths. He could show up well. Aloneamongmillions was unbeaten until finishing third to Billaway in Down Royal. Staker Wallace is another to consider after a good victory in the Earl Of Harrington at Limerick. A patient approach with him is being rewarded. Prolific point-to-point winner Winged Leader adds further spice to the mix.
A steeplechase for ] Certified Hunters five years old and upwards that have been placed first, second, third or fourth in a Certified Hunters Steeplechase in Ireland or Great Britain or first, second, third or fourth in a Point to Point Steeplechase in Ireland or Great Britain between 7th October, 2017 and 25th January, 2021 and that have not won a race under any N.H. Rules or Rules of Racing since 1st March, 2020 other than Certified Hunters Steeplechases or Farmers RacesWeights - 5-y-o 11st 8lbs 6-y-o and up 12st 2lbs Mares allowed 7lbsRiders - Qualified Riders under I.N.H.S. Rules. ? A Hunters Certificate valid in accordance with Rule 78 for the 2020/2021 season for each horse engaged must be registered at the Office of the I.N.H.S. Committee, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, not later than 25th January or the horse is not qualified to start. In the case of horses trained in Great Britain, Hunters (Master of Hounds) Certificates must have been duly registered at the Racing Calendar Office, Wellingborough. The Stewards of the I.N.H.S. Committee have modified the Rules to permit horses for which Master of Hounds Certificates have been registered with the Jockey Club and which are eligible to run in Hunters Steeplechases in Great Britain to run in this race. However, horses with a Master of Hounds Certificate that have run in any race other than a Hunters' Steeplechase since 1st November, 2020 are excluded.