Confirmed runners and riders for the Grade 1 Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle

Ashdale Bob will bid to extend his unbeaten record this season to three in Wednesday's Grade 1 Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle, on a Naas card rescheduled from Sunday due to frozen ground.

Winner of a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Navan last month, Ashdale Bob faces seven rivals in his hat-trick bid including Blue Lord, who scored on his first start for Willie Mullins at Punchestown in November.

Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle racecard

Bob Olinger is another interesting contender, having got within a length of last season's Champion Bumper winner Ferny Hollow at Gowran Park before cruising home at Navan last time.

Gordon Elliott, who won the 2m4f contest last year with unbeaten superstar Envoi Allen, saddles Gigginstown House Stud pair Wide Receiver, the mount of Jack Kennedy, and Ragnar Lodbrok.

The line-up is completed by Crosshill, Flanking Maneuver and Gabynako.

The 2m novice chase (1.20) looks another race likely to provide pointers for the Cheltenham Festival, with Captain Guinness, Energumene, Blackbow and Farmix clashing in a fascinating contest.

Fairyhouse passes inspection

Tuesday's meeting at Fairyhouse will go ahead as planned after the frozen parts of the course had come out of the ground by the time of Monday afternoon's inspection.

The track tweeted on Monday: "Following an inspection, tomorrow's card goes ahead with the first race off at 11.50. The ground remains heavy, with heavy rain forecast in next 24 hours."

Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle runners and riders

Ashdale Bob Paddy Kennedy
Blue Lord Paul Townend
Bob Olinger Rachael Blackmore
Crosshill Sean O'Keeffe
Flanking Maneuver Sean Flanagan
Gabynako Jonathan Moore
Ragnar Lodbrok Mark Walsh
Wide Receiver Jack Kennedy

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