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Champ Kiely led from pillar-to-post to provide Willie Mullins with his ninth victory in the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle.
The seven-year-old is one of two runners for the champion trainer in the Grade One contest, with previously unbeaten Grangeclare West first string as 15-8 favourites.
Champ Kiely won the Limerick bumper, the Galway maiden hurdle and the Grade Three at Tipperary in his first three starts at Rules, but could only finish fourth as the 10-11 favorite for Royal Bond at Fairyhouse last month and a 100-30 chance to back off at the distance.
As is often the case, Danny Mullins got a fraction in front and Champ Kiely answered every call on the straight to see Royal Bond clear runner-up Irish Point by two and a quarter lengths.
Coral has slashed Champ Kiely’s odds for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham to 8-1 from 16-1.
“It’s a good performance. I got a great feeling from this fellow in Tipperary,” said the winning rider.
Marine Nationale (right) is just off Irish Point in Fairyhouse
“The Royal Bond was a bit of a noisy race, he was only beaten by four and it was a bit long. I believe he has that, which is easy to say but he has gone and proved it.
“They’ve won more so the trip won’t be a problem.”
Grangeclare West ended up disappointing in fifth place. Asked if he was surprised by the final order, Mullins’ assistant David Casey said: “Not really – two really good horses.
“I’d say the race tactics didn’t work for Champ Kiely at Fairyhouse. We went back to what was good today and I’d say the step up in the trip helped too, and the soft ground.
“It all fell apart and Danny said he really liked him, he gave us a good ride.”
From Grangeclare West, he added: “I haven’t spoken to Paul yet, it seems he’s been walking right and can’t come home for whatever reason. “I’ll speak to Paul and we’ll check on him. come out and see.”
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