William Munny impresses at Naas.
William Munny's star appears to be on the rise following a notable victory at Naas. Barry Connell, the owner, expressed optimism about Arkle’s favourite Marine Nationale after another strong performance by William Munny on Sunday.
The Download The BetVictor App (Pro/Am) Flat Race at Naas featured a competitive field of five previous winners, including notable names like Killultagh Vic, Carefully Selected, and Gerri Colombe. Wingmen, trained by Gordon Elliott, was the favourite but ultimately finished third after a front-running effort.
William Munny, who won by a short-head at Navan last month, was a 13-2 shot and showed impressive acceleration under jockey Finny Maguire to claim victory by five lengths. Connell expressed surprise at William Munny's odds, believing he should have been the favourite based on his form.
Although Connell believes in William Munny's potential, he has decided to skip the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, opting instead for a run at the Punchestown Festival. Connell noted the horse's unusual talent for a Westerner and expressed confidence in his future over hurdles.
On the other hand, Marine Nationale, a star from Connell's stable, is gearing up for Cheltenham despite a recent underwhelming performance at Leopardstown. Connell remains hopeful about Marine Nationale's chances at the upcoming festival.
Noble Birth, another hopeful from the Connell stable, is also eyeing a Cheltenham appearance following an impressive win in the Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle. Conor McNamara, representing his father Eric, is optimistic about Noble Birth's prospects at the festival.
The Listed Nas Na Riogh Novice Handicap Chase saw Battle It Out, owned by JP McManus and trained by father-son duo Conor and Charlie O’Dwyer, emerge victorious. The conditions suited Battle It Out, who showed great jumping ability on soft ground.
Willie Mullins introduced another promising prospect in the form of Tounsivator, a French import who won the Naas Racecourse Business Club Maiden Hurdle under jockey Paul Townend. The Mullins team is considering future races at Fairyhouse and Punchestown for the talented Tounsivator.