Naas welcomes in return of racing in Ireland

Irish racing returns after a 76-day absence on Monday at Naas, where Sceptical bids to complete a four-timer in the Listed Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Woodlands Stakes.
By Sports Desk
Published 7th Jun 2020, 15:12 BST
There are 134 horses (not including reserves) declared on the eight-race cardThere are 134 horses (not including reserves) declared on the eight-race card
There are 134 horses (not including reserves) declared on the eight-race card

The Denis Hogan-trained sprinter was bought unraced by James McAuley for just £2,800 from Godolphin last August but has improved out of all recognition following a debut third at Dundalk in October.

The Exceed And Excel gelding has won all three starts since at the same venue and was hugely impressive when taking a handicap by over six lengths off a mark of 101 in March.

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Hogan is happy with the progressive four-year-old and said: “He’s in great form. We had to let him down a bit with the lay-off and then pick him back up. He’s done a few bits of work and has had a day or two away.

“He’s been very impressive in handicaps, but will have to step up now as he’s mixing in different company.

“We’ll see how he gets on at Naas, but Ascot could still be in our plans for the King’s Stand or the Diamond Jubilee.

“We don’t have to enter until Wednesday, so we will have a day to think after Naas and we’ll know a lot more after he runs.

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“He’s never been on grass and we weren’t even able to work him on it before because of the ground. This is a nice starting point and he’s a natural to train – a real gentleman of a horse with a lovely attitude.”

Related topics:IrelandDundalkAscot