MARGARET’S GOLDEN TOUCH NAVAN REPORT
In 2016 and 2017 this race went to the subsequent Gold Cup winners Don Cossack and Sizing John and several members of this year’s field have entries for the great race.
Among them is Total Recall (right) who was running such a good race in last year’s Gold Cup only to fall at the third last.
This Willie Mullins inmate made a pleasing return to action at Tramore lately when he chased home Al Boum Photo in a quality conditions chase.
Total Recall is the one to beat but preference is for Tout Est Permis who has FOR the second time in as many months Margaret Mullins left Navan with a big pot as Agusta Gold claimed the featured €50,000 handicap hurdle.
The winner was ridden by the trainer’s son, Danny, and she held every chance from the third last flight.
Danny Mullins sent his mount on before the last and the 7/1 shot defeated Chatham Street Lad by a length and a quarter.
“She’s a smashing mare and when the top one came out of this race yesterday morning we said we’d take our chance here,” said the trainer.
“All being well she will go chasing next season but we’ll keep her to this for this season and we’ll see what there is for her in about three weeks,” added Margaret Mullins (right).
Gordon Elliott continued his good form and sent out a one-two in the novice hurdle where Davy Russell and Galvin defeated Whoshotthesheriff.
The winner, who is unbeaten in four starts, could now head to Mussleburgh for a Grade 2 early next month.
Elliott then followed up with Moratorium who sprang a 14/1 surprise in the two and half mile maiden hurdle.
The switch to a galloping track made all the different to the Presenting gelding. Elliott was also expected to win the mares bumper but his 4/5 favourite, Larquebuse had to settle for second as the 11/1 shot Heaven Help Us came from nowhere.