'We'll aim for the Albert Bartlett' - Nolan ace cut for festival after victory

Tuesday: Punchestown

Sandor Clegane was cut to 16-1 (from 50) for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival by Paddy Power following an impressive victory in the 2m5½f maiden hurdle.

The son of Fame and Glory had 12 lengths to spare over his rivals and his delighted trainer Paul Nolan believes he has plenty of potential.

“I just love the way he quickened away,” Nolan told Racing TV. “He’s very versatile as regards the ground and he did that very well today. Hopefully we can keep it going and we'll aim for the Albert Bartlett. We’ll see whether we go to Naas or not and sit down with the owners.”

Intranet impresses

The JP McManus-owned Intranet showed why he is held in such high regard when he held on impressively to score on his debut for Willie Mullins in the second division of the 2m½f maiden hurdle.

The French recruit holds an entry for the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown and jockey Mark Walsh believes he will improve in better company.

“I’m delighted with him. He was very professional. When I was left out in front on my own, I was a bit worried but he was straight as a gun barrel. I think he’ll be better in a faster and better race. He has a big, long stride on him.”

The victory formed part of a quickfire double for the champion trainer as Tax For Max and Paul Townend combined to land the following 2m½f hurdle.

McManus also landed a double, with Pike County getting up on the line on the line in the 2m½f handicap hurdle for trainer Denise Foster.

De Bromhead marvel

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Marvel De Cerisy (4-1) and Rachael Blackmore bounced back from a fall at Wexford to score by six lengths in the opening novice chase, in which three of the nine-strong field departed prematurely.

The Knockeen trainer was impressed and believes there is more to come. “We’re delighted”, he said. “The race fell apart a bit with the few fallers but it was lovely. Hopefully, he’ll keep progressing.”

Placings reversed

Nucky Johnson and Bryan Cooper denied The Big Doyen in the first division of the 2m½f maiden hurdle, following a photo finish and stewards' inquiry. The Big Doyen, Kevin Sexton’s mount, was judged to have hampered his Noel Meade-trained rival and the placings were reversed.

23rd time lucky

Dublin trainer Patrick Rooney trained his first winner in more than three years when Highstreetfashion (9-1) shed his maiden tag at the 23rd time of asking in the handicap chase under Patrick O’Brien.

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