Brechin Castle defies long absence at Naas
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Wed 4 Mar 2026
Brechin Castle made a successful return from over two years on the sidelines in the opening race at Naas on Wednesday.
A £165,000 recruit from the Irish point-to-point field, the eight-year-old won his first two bumper starts for owner-trainer Ben Brookhouse, including a Listed victory at Cheltenham in the autumn of 2023.
He was beaten on his next start at Ascot the following month and had not been seen in competitive action since, meaning his appearance in the William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Maiden Hurdle was his first for 803 days.
A 2-7 favourite for his hurdling debut and first outing since joining Willie Mullins, Brechin Castle showed his class with a six-and-a-half-length success over Famous Figure under Paul Townend.
“He’s a lovely, bonny horse. Obviously, he had been off the track for a long time, but he popped away well in front,” said the jockey.
“He had a little blow, so I think he’ll improve a little bit for it as well.
“What looked like a race, we settled quick enough. It’s good to get him back on the track.
“He had a decent level of form and he still has it, I think.”
Bokamsin opened his account for Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O’Keeffe in the Jumps Finale At Naas Sunday 8th March Rated Novice Hurdle.
Carrying the Presenting Percy colours of owner Philip Reynolds, the six-year-old made every yard of the running and ran out a six-length winner as a 15-2 shot.
O’Keeffe said: “I thought the last day (at Punchestown) we didn’t go quick. He missed a couple of hurdles and it put him on the back foot.
“It was a deep race the last day, with Spinningayarn (winning), and today’s race was tidy as well.
“We all thought that we’d buck him out and make him do it. He’s a fine big horse and jumped brilliant today. I thought it was a good performance.”
Rocky’s Howya justified 4-6 favouritism in the Flat Is Back At Naas Sunday 22nd March Claiming Hurdle for trainer Declan Queally, who is looking forward to sending a small but select team of runners to the Cheltenham Festival next week.
Queally said: “I can’t wait. All the horses are good.
“I’ll Sort That seems to be in real good form, confirmations are tomorrow (Thursday) for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle.
“Carrigmoornaspruce (Ryanair Mares Novices’ Hurdle) is in good form as well, she’s real fresh in herself, and I’d be hoping Tackletommywoowoo would have an outside each-way chance in the Albert Bartlett.
“Going over there the horses are buzzing, so we’re all guns blazing.”
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