Majborough on ‘comeback mission’ at Navan on Saturday

Majborough may have a point to prove when he begins his new campaign in Navan’s BAR 1 Betting Fortria Chase, but connections are confident he can serve a timely reminder of the top-class form that makes him still one of the leading names in the two-mile chasing division.

Willie Mullins’ six-year-old was sent off favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase last season after an imperious display at the Dublin Racing Festival when routing the opposition – including reigning Champion Chaser Marine Nationale, who was second by 19 lengths.

However, while foot-perfect at Leopardstown, his jumping let him down at the Cheltenham Festival and again when well held at the Punchestown equivalent on his final start of the campaign.

He now meets the likes of Gordon Elliott’s dual race winner and defending champion Firefox and Joseph O’Brien’s Solness, who arrives fit following a recent spin on the Flat at Bellewstown, in what will be a stern examination of Majborough’s credentials on his Saturday reappearance.

“He lost his way a little bit in the spring and is on a comeback mission basically, but Willie seems happy with him,” said Frank Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus.

“In an ideal world we would like a bit more rain, but he’s declared and we’ll see how we go.

“His form is there in the book and he’s a good horse. Yes it hasn’t happened on a few occasions for him, but we hope we can get him back in good form and see where the season takes us.”

Mighty Park winning at Fairyhouse (Pic: Healy Racing)

Majborough may well be an established name in the green and gold, but stepping out for the first time is exciting stablemate Mighty Park, one of the talking horses leading into last season’s Cheltenham Festival, who makes just his third rules appearance in the Jimmy & Sheila Owens Irish EBF Beginners Chase.

“Without a doubt he is one we are looking forward to,” continued Berry.

“He won his maiden hurdle well and ran OK at Cheltenham, he was just a little bit raw and inexperienced. He missed Christmas and was then just thrown in at the deep end a bit over hurdles.

“He’s had a good break (since Cheltenham), Willie is happy with him and it’s a starting off place. It’s quite a good race and the novice races are very hot at the minute, but it would be nice to see him put in a good round of jumping and we’ll see how we get on.”

A strong cast has assembled for the Grade Two Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle, including Joseph O’Brien’s Stayers’ Hurdle hero Home By The Lee, who proved he is thriving at the ripe old age of 11 by adding the Liverpool Hurdle before a rare off-day in search of a three-timer in France.

O’Brien will also saddle Dawn Rising, last seen finishing a close-up third in the Cesarewitch and returning to hurdles for the first time since running in this race two years ago.

He is another to wear the McManus silks and Berry added: “He’s been very consistent and ran a blinder in the Cesarewitch.

“It will be interesting to see him hurdling again after a long break for him and see if he is as good as he was. It’s great to get him out and started.”

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