Melbourne Shamrock books Pertemps ticket at Naas

Melbourne Shamrock may have earned himself a late call-up to Emmet Mullins’ Cheltenham Festival squad with victory at Naas on Sunday.

Carrying the colours of Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning owner Robert Waley-Cohen, the seven-year-old was the 5-2 favourite for what was his handicap debut in the Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle and he knuckled down well under Donagh Meyler to prevail by a neck.

“It was a gritty performance. He’s been knocking on the door in a few nicer races,” said Mullins.

“It’s a great win to get for Robert, to get him qualified for Cheltenham. I’d say he should take his place in the Pertemps Final, once he gets into the race.

“Hopefully that won’t leave a mark on him but he is a tough, hardy, horse.

“Fingers crossed we can be competitive (at Cheltenham). If it was slower ground he is a thorough stayer and I’d give him a chance.”

Emmet’s uncle Willie enjoyed a double on the card, initiated by Majolique (15-8), who made a winning debut both over obstacles and for new connections in the Download The William Hill App Juvenile Hurdle.

The French recruit won by four lengths in the hands of Paul Townend and does hold an entry in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, but appears unlikely to make the trip to Prestbury Park.

“I wasn’t expecting that, I didn’t think she was ready enough and thought she’d need the run,” said the champion trainer’s assistant, David Casey.

“She’s a filly that came at the start of the season and we liked her, but she got injured and came back late.

“I think she’ll improve hugely for it. She’s in the Triumph but Cheltenham might come a bit quick.

“The owner (Kenneth Alexander) won the Grade One juvenile hurdle in Aintree last year with Murcia and maybe she might be one for that. Willie will make a plan for her and we’ll see what she’s like.”

Mullins and Townend also teamed up to land the William Hill Racing Bet Builder Chase with 6-4 favourite Blood Destiny, who bounced back from a disappointing effort when pulled up Fairyhouse in January to claim this Grade Three prize by four and three-quarter lengths from Gordon Elliott’s Touch Me Not.

Casey added: “It’s just great to get the win, without giving lumps away like he was the last day.

“He obviously likes it here, he won a good novice around here (in 2023). He was on a going day, travelled sweet and did it well.

“He’s had a couple of issues but on his day he’s not a bad horse and thankfully today was a going day.”

The concluding William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Nas Na Riogh Novice Handicap Chase, a Listed race, then went the way of Goraibhmaithagat (7-2 favourite) for trainer Colm Murphy, jockey Mark Walsh and owner JP McManus.

“He got the job done. He made a few silly mistakes on the way but he was tough,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to McManus.

“He handled the ground well and got a good ride so we’re very happy.

“He finished off well the last day. It was a bit more competitive today and experience found him out a little bit.

“He was tough and put down his head. He had to fight and he did.

“Today was the plan and we’ll see where he goes from here. He handles that ground well and that’s a big thing for him.”