Anticipation Builds as Townend Prepares for Facile Vega’s Maiden Chase Appearance

Navan’s New Two-Day Festival Welcomes Equine Stars

Navan Racecourse is set to host an exciting new two-day Festival that has attracted some notable equine stars. Among them, champion jockey Paul Townend is particularly thrilled about teaming up with Facile Vega in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase on Saturday.

In his racing career, Facile Vega has shown immense potential as the second foal out of Willie Mullins’ champion mare Quevega. He made a remarkable start by winning the Cheltenham Festival bumper in 2022. Despite a disappointing performance at the Dublin Racing Festival, he managed to bounce back at Cheltenham before finishing behind Marine Nationale in the Supreme in March.

Townend expressed his optimism saying, “Facile Vega was a star novice hurdler last season. He’s someone we’re really excited to see perform over fences and I believe he could even excel in this discipline.”

Dysart Dynamo will also be ridden by Townend in the Bar One Fortria Chase event. The conditions are favorable for Dysart Dynamo who steps out of novice company for this race.

The Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle will witness last year’s winner Home By The Lee competing against Stayers’ Hurdle victor Sire Du Berlais – both aiming to set an early marker for success.

“Home By The Lee had an extended break during summer and although starting later than last year, we have high hopes for him going forward,” Joseph O’Brien said about his trained horse.

An open race awaits Bob Olinger and Zanahiyr who are expected to garner a significant following.

The Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Chase on Sunday will see an impressive lineup of 22 runners, with Gordon Elliott declaring 15 horses. Thedevilscoachman currently leads the market for Noel Meade.