Naas in TV coverage plea - and would consider fix to frustrating low sun issue

Naas manager Eamonn McEvoy said he would consider running the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle later on the card next year to try to avoid low sun spoiling the spectacle, but his main mission is to secure a slot on terrestrial television for the first Irish Grade 1 of the year.

Champ Kiely handed Willie Mullins his eighth win in the race under the trainer's nephew Danny, but he only had seven hurdles to jump rather than the usual 11 as the two flights in the home straight were omitted due to low sun.

Speaking about the issue, McEvoy said: "Moving the race a bit later on the card is something I would consider for next year, but I'm hoping the race will be on terrestrial television from now on so that will hopefully determine what time the race is at.

"Between RTE, TG4 and ITV I think every other Grade 1 race in Ireland is shown on terrestrial television apart from our one at Naas. That is something I want to change and hopefully it will happen in 2024. It's only right that a Grade 1 race is shown to a wider audience and I definitely think the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle deserves its slot on terrestrial television."

The RTE team do not currently cover the Lawlor's Of NaasCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He added: "We could put the race back a half hour next year maybe and it's something we'll consider, but the race after it on Sunday was just lucky that a cloud arrived before the off to cover the sun. It's the luck of the draw really.

"Hurdles or fences being omitted because of low sun is frustrating for owners and trainers because it is an awfully long way home from the third-last at Naas. It's a hard slog home. But, as regards the decision to bypass the hurdles in the big race, I would be 100 per cent behind our clerk Brendan Sheridan.

"Clerks are coming under huge pressure because of low sun, but if there is any doubt whatsoever they have to do it as riders' safety is the most important thing."

Reflecting on the track's big day, McEvoy said: "I was delighted with how it went and there was a great buzz around the place. There really was a terrific atmosphere and there were great food and drink offerings for racegoers.

"The key to it was a dry morning. Once it's not raining when the decision is being made whether or not to go racing you've always got a chance of getting a nice crowd."

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