Fascinating clash on the cards in Opera Hat

Benie Des Dieux will make her eagerly anticipated return to action at Naas on Saturday when heading the field in the BBA Ireland LTD Opera Hat Mares Chase. The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old is unbeaten in two starts over fences for Ireland’s champion trainer and will bid to make it a hat-trick when taking on the Grade 2 winner Dinaria Des Obeaux who represents Gordon Elliott. Mullins is double handed in the race with course and distance winner Asthuria also in the six-runner field alongside Denis Hogan’s Youcantcallherthat, the John Ryan-trained Present Mahler and the field is completed by Katy Brown’s Shangary Molly. Speaking this morning, trainer Willie Mullins said; “We run both Benie Des Dieux and Asthuria and it is going to be a very good race with Dinaria Des Obeaux in there as well. “It’ll be fascinating to see which of them improves the most but Benie Des Dieux appears to be a mare that is improving all the time and the ground or trip shouldn't pose any problem for her. We’ll know a bit more after Saturday where we’ll be going with her for the rest of the season. “Asthuria won at Naas earlier in the year so she likes it around the course and distance and the ground won’t be an issue for her. She will probably have to improve a little but she at the time of her career where that is possible.” Gordon Elliott said of Dinaria Des Obeaux; “She’s in good form and I’m happy with her. It looks a competitive race but she’d appear to have a chance on ratings and I’m looking forward to running her.” Naas Racecourse will mix racing and rugby this weekend with live coverage of the Six Nations game between Ireland and Italy, complementing the intriguing seven-race National Hunt card which begins at 1.35pm. Naas Rugby Club will also make an appearance to their local track as they will host a fundraiser in the Panoramic Restaurant. Tom Ryan, General Manager of Naas Racecourse commented: The BBA Ireland have sponsored the Opera Hat Mares Steeplechase for over 15 years now and we thank them for their continued support. We also look forward to welcoming Naas Rugby Club, their sponsors and guests as they will host their fundraiser in the Panoramic Restaurant. For further information, contact Jackie Donohoe Sales & Marketing Manager, Naas Racecourse on 087 3527030 or email jdonohoe@naasracecourse.com