The November chill brings the jumps season roaring back to life at Naas Racecourse on 9 November, where a packed Sunday card from 12:20 to 16:10 promises early clues for winter campaigns. With soft ground and a competitive mix of novices and seasoned chasers, this Naas Racecourse Preview is full of intrigue and promise, offering racegoers a thrilling glimpse into the early form of Ireland’s emerging jump stars.
12:20 – The Mongey Communications Novice Handicap Steeplechase (€14,500)
The opener sees ME WEE BONNIE LASS (K.E. Buckley/Gavin Cromwell) head a dual Cromwell assault alongside THE LOVELY MAN (K.M. Donoghue/Gavin Cromwell). PARK THE GIANT (B. Hayes/Philip Fenton) and ROLLY BOWLEY BOY (T. Power Roche/P.J. Rothwell) add local depth, while CEROC (P.T. Enright/Andrew Slattery) looks well-treated at the weights.
12:50 – The Cavan Developments Home Builders Supporting St Mary’s GAA Maiden Hurdle (€12,000)
Plenty of untapped potential here. BOSTON FIRE (K.E. Buckley/Peter Maher) seeks redemption after bumpers, while CLONEEN TO THE MAX (A.J. Browne/Don Browne) could improve on seasonal debut. EARL NEIGH (P.K. Donovan/Andrew Slattery), LIPS FREEDOM (C.M. Quirke/Andrew Kinirons), and MICKEY HULIE (S.W. Flanagan/David Harry Kelly) complete a competitive field that could throw up a surprise.
13:20 – The Overlander Fishery Lane Novice Hurdle (€22,500)
Novice hurdlers take centre stage, led by POSITIVE ENERGY (P. Townend/M.D. O’Callaghan), who brings polish and pace. TIR OG (C.M. Hogan/E. Seymour) and HOPEFUL HERO (D. Meyler/T. Hogan) represent strong stables, while OUR LUCKY LADY (C. Cullinan/P.G. Fahey) and SUPER EXCEED (D.E. Mullins/Thomas Mullins) are capable of featuring late.
13:52 – The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle (€15,000)
FRUIT DE MER (D.J. O’Keeffe/Henry de Bromhead) carries top-yard confidence, meeting BRIDGE VIEW STAR (P. Byrnes/W.J. O’Doherty) and BULGADEN CASTLE (S.D. Torrens/P.J. Rothwell), both of whom promise to stay well. Others to consider include DONTCAVEIN (E. Walsh/Ciaran Murphy) and FUN DADDY (K.E. Buckley/Eddie & Patrick Harty).
14:27 – The SIS Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle (Listed, €45,000)
A strong field gathers for the afternoon’s richest contest. SYSKO (P. Townend/W.P. Mullins) looks primed for a big effort, with BACKTONORMAL (K.M. Donoghue/Gavin Cromwell) and IN EXCELSIS DEO (K.E. Buckley/E. Bolger) among the key challengers. SPILLANE’S TOWER (M.P. Walsh/James Joseph Mangan) and EAGLES REIGN (S.R. Markey/Ross O’Sullivan) add balance to a quality renewal.
15:02 – The Barberstown Castle Steeplechase (Grade 3, €37,500)
A high-class chase where CHAMP KIELY (P. Townend/W.P. Mullins) headlines the Mullins charge, joined by ILE ATLANTIQUE (D.E. Mullins/W.P. Mullins). ONLY BY NIGHT (K.M. Donoghue/Gavin Cromwell) and GAELIC ARC (D. King/John Patrick Ryan) are capable on their day, while INTHEPOCKET (M.P. Walsh/Henry de Bromhead) brings Grade 1 experience.
15:37 – The Sign Up To GavinLynchRacing.com Beginners Steeplechase (€12,500)
BECKETT ROCK (D.J. O’Keeffe/Henry de Bromhead) makes his chase debut, facing BUT WHAT (C.M. Quirke/Andrew Slattery), HELLO JACK (J.C. Gainford/Gordon Elliott), ICARE D’AUBRELLE (S. Ewing/Thomas Cooper), and IRISH PANTHER (K.E. Buckley/Eddie & Patrick Harty) — a well-balanced contest where experience may count.
16:10 – The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares (Pro/Am) Flat Race (€11,000)
The finale promises excitement with ABITOFASORT (C. Cullinan/J.G. Coogan) and ALPHA ZETA (B. Doyle Murphy/Liz Doyle) leading the betting. AN LACHIN BEAG (P. Cleary/Nigel Thomas Slevin), ERIKA DE CHAMPS (E. Finegan/Anthony McCann), and LADY HOTHAM (A.B. O’Connor/Anthony McCann) round off a fascinating closing contest.
This Naas Racecourse Preview showcases everything the Irish jumps season stands for — deep novice talent, graded class, and testing ground. With names like CHAMP KIELY, SYSKO, and POSITIVE ENERGY leading the charge, Naas once again becomes the crucible where champions begin their journey.
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