Mullins could run both Grangeclare West and Gaelic Warrior in Lawlor's Of Naas

Grangeclare West and Paul Townend win the 2m4f maiden hurdle

Grangeclare West: 'He worked nicely the other day, I was very happy'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Willie Mullins will run at least two in the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle on Sunday and said ante-post favourite Grangeclare West has impressed at home since his wide-margin maiden hurdle win at Navan in November.

Mullins has won the Naas contest seven times in all, including three occasions since it was elevated to Grade 1 status in 2015, and he is not ruling out big Ballymore hopes Grangeclare West and Gaelic Warrior taking each other on this year.

Envoi Allen (2020) and Bob Olinger (2021) both did the Lawlor's Of Naas-Ballymore double and it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that the feat could be achieved in 2023 as well given the stellar entry for Sunday's race.

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David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 4 January 2023inNews

Last updated 21:25, 4 January 2023

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