Cheveley Park pair justify big price tags at Naas

Grangeclare West and Mahon’s Way both look to have a bright future.

Grangeclare West and Mahon’s Way showed their class to provide owners Cheveley Park Stud with a notable double at Naas.

Trained by Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead respectively, the pair of point-to-point graduates were expensive purchases at GBP 430,000 and GBP 360,000.

Grangeclare West impressed when winning his bumper and a maiden hurdle, but disappointed in successive Grade One events earlier this year before rounding off his season on a high in lesser company at Punchestown in the spring.

The seven-year-old was a 7-4 shot for his reappearance and debut over regulation fences in the Mongey Communications Beginners Chase and jumped well under Paul Townend on his way to a near three-length victory over Heart Wood, with 11-10 favourite Corbetts Cross back in third.

“He looks to be born to jump fences, he loved it,” said the champion jockey.

“He had a blow but his jumping was getting him a long way. The two fences being taken out in the straight didn’t help but his class got him through.

“He’s always promised and I’d say with chasing he could fulfil his promise.”

Mullins also landed the bumper with the Jody Townend-ridden Fleur Au Fusil (100-30).

Mahon's Way impressed at Naas
Mahon’s Way impressed at Naas (PA)

Mahon’s Way (3-1) had earlier dominated his rivals in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle, with Rachael Blackmore doing the steering as he pulled five and a half lengths clear.

“He’s a lovely horse and Alex Elliott bought him last year after he won his point-to-point. He came highly recommended and does everything well,” said De Bromhead.

“He went through that ground but I’d say he’d have a preference for nicer. It’s tough work out there and you would think he will get further.”

De Bromhead and Blackmore also teamed up to land the Cavan Developments Home Builders Supporting St Marys GAA Maiden Hurdle with the similarly impressive Slade Steel, who proved much too strong for the 8-11 favourite King Of Kingsfield.

Slade Steel and Rachael Blackmore return to the winner's enclosure
Slade Steel and Rachael Blackmore return to the winner’s enclosure (PA)

The trainer added: “He was a nice bumper horse last year, we didn’t run him too much and it is nice to see him come out and do that.

“He really stayed at it. He won his point-to-point and I’d say he’s adaptable, he has a bit of pace as well.

“He has an entry in the Royal Bond and we’ll find a novice for him somewhere.”

High-class Flat performer Smooth Tom (10-1) made it two from two over obstacles in the BetVictor Fishery Lane Novice Hurdle in the hands of 5lb claimer Philip Donovan.

Willie Slattery, brother and assistant to trainer Andrew, said: “He’s a 90-rated horse on the Flat and I was surprised how big a price he was. He handles soft ground but you would always be a bit worried about a Flat horse on winter ground.

“Andy was talking about giving him a rest and if he runs again it will probably be Leopardstown at Christmas. He’s going to have to step up again.”

Chosen Diamond was a 7-1 winner of the Overlander Horseboxes Novice Handicap Chase, while the EURO 40,000 Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle went to 20-1 chance Espanito Bello for owner-trainer Barry Connell, who said: “They went a mad pace in front which suited him and he jumped super.

“I might look at the Proudstown, it’s a EURO 100,000 handicap hurdle and he should be still competitive.

“That’s his fifth win here and they might make a statue of him now!”

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