Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HENDO’S GOING TO LET FRANCE
THE classy Elimay completed her Cheltenham preparations in style with a smooth win in the Listed BBA Ireland Ltd Opera Hat Chase at Naas yesterday afternoon.
The Willie Mullins inmate, who is among the leading fancies for the new mares chase at Cheltenham next month, was looking to build on an excellent second to Allaho at Thurles.
She cruised into a challenging position for Mark Walsh on the approach to the second last and soon eased into a clear lead.
A safe jump at the final fence made sure of victory and she went on to finish five and a half lengths of Shattered Love.
“When she got on better ground inside the final mile she enjoyed herself and Mark said the further she was going the better she was going,” reported Willie Mullins.
“I’ll speak to connections but I imagine that she will be heading to the mares chase at Cheltenham.”
Mullins and Mark Walsh also won the second division of the maiden hurdle with the French import Gentleman de Mee.
IAIN HENDERSON admits he “jumped” at the opportunity to captain Ireland for the first time in today’s Six Nations encounter with France.
The Ulster skipper earns his 60th Test cap but he has never before led a team out at senior international level.
He gets his chance today from Andy Farrell due to the absence of
Johnny Sexton and James Ryan.
His first Ireland Captain’s Run was delayed a little yesterday as a team coach was held up at the level crossing barriers at Lansdowne Road due to the high winds.
But the 28-year-old was pleased with how it went once the players got on the pitch. “It’s been a brilliant week and today everyone really enjoyed that, the weather even cleared up for us,” said Henderson.
“Look it’s a massive honour and privilege, Faz came up to me and said that myself and Ringer (Garry Ringrose) would be leading the team, I definitely jumped at the
opportunity with both hands
“The guys have prepared so well that they’ve given me all the confidence I need to lead the team.
“Obviously my family are delighted from back home, they’ve been on the phone and FaceTime, they’re really proud as well.”
Henderson believes Ireland can
IT put last week’s disappointing loss to Wales behind them and produce a big performance.
“Obviously it was a frustrating result for us but nothing changes for us going forward. We’re delighted to be back in the Aviva and we’re really looking forward to get stuck into the French.”
AV