Racing:The admirable For Bill won her ninth race from just 12 starts in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Chase at Navan. Only four were declared for the €25,000 event and chief market rival, Willie Mullins' Morning Supreme, was declared a non-runner.
That meant Michael Winters’ eight-year-old was sent off the 1-6 favourite under Davy Russell and odds-on backers were always likely to collect their money. Inistioge tried to put the pace to the race but without being asked a question, For Bill cruised to an eight-length win.
“She will go to Limerick next on March 13th (Dawn Run Novice Chase) that’s the plan,” said Winters. “Davy said he was delighted with her. In fairness she is a great jumper, that ground wouldn’t be the nicest — it’s loose, deep and tacky.
“I’m very lucky to have one like her, the race was like a canter she would have at home. She doesn’t jump at home. We just keep her ticking over. Maybe next year they will make a Gold Cup for mares!”
Mullins was earlier on the mark with C’Est Ca who finally opened his account over fences in the Larry Rowen Memorial Beginners Chase. Sent off the 7-4 favourite, he only had Doc O’Donnell to contend with from the second-last but drew clear to win by eight lengths.
“It’s not before time. I hope this is a good omen for Hurricane Fly as he races in the same colours (owner George Creighton),” said Mullins. “He got it all together today and he has more ability than he’s been showing us.
“I thought he had enough speed to win over two miles but he could go over three miles too as he stays and handles very soft ground. I’ll look to find a winners of one with him now.”
Colm Murphy proved that his horses are still in good form when The Hard Hat prevailed in the www.navanracecourse.ie Handicap Chase. With Big Zeb’s defence of his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown fast approaching, every winner is welcome.
The Hard Hat came out best in a great duel with Knocklayde Euro and won by the narrowest of margins under Robbie Power.
“We’ll see if we can get another little handicap for him on nicer ground. He seems to be improving,” said Murphy. “He had been disappointing. Hopefully he is going the right way now. He lost his way after his maiden hurdle, hopefully nice ground might rejuvenate him.”