Racing

Mount Colah recovers to land win at Thurles

Roi Des Francs generates expectation for Cheltenham Festival

The Willie Mullins-trained Roi Des Francs won the Maiden Hurdle at Thurles. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho.
The Willie Mullins-trained Roi Des Francs won the Maiden Hurdle at Thurles. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho.
Tue Jan 06 2015 - 01:00

Mount Colah survived a blunder at the final fence to land the Thurles Racecourse Supporters Club Chase at the Co Tipperary track.

The 9 to 10 favourite, trained by Jerry Cosgrave, was left clear when the front-running Arnaud came down two out, only to give his supporters a fright by making a bad mistake.

Amateur rider Noel McParlan managed to keep the partnership intact and Mount Colah kept his nearest pursuer Letter Of Credit at bay by a length and three-quarters.

Cosgrave said: “He idled when he was left in front and just put down at the last.

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Convincing victory

“That’s our first Listed race win and if he comes out of this okay he could come back here for the Kinloch Brae Chase here on Thursday week.”

Roi Des Francs (6 to 4) later generated Cheltenham Festival chatter following his convincing victory in the thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle.

Trainer Willie Mullins said: "He's a big horse and is going to be a three-mile chaser down the line. He could come back here for the Purcell (Novice Hurdle) and I'd imagine he'll get an entry in the Albert Bartlett and, maybe, the Neptune.

“I would see him improving into the spring. He’s by the same sire (Poliglote) as Don Poli, and he’s been a champion sire in France, both on the Flat and over jumps.”