BAR 1 Betting Leinster National Preview: Bushmans Pass Targets Repeat Win
The €100,000 Listed BAR 1 Betting Leinster National takes centre stage at Naas Racecourse this Sunday, with a competitive field expected for the prestigious 3m1f Handicap Chase.
BAR 1 Betting first became sponsor of the race in 2021 and recently confirmed a five-year extension, ensuring the company will continue its association with the Leinster National through to 2030.
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Bushman’s Pass Bids for Back-to-Back Wins
Last year’s winner Bushmans Pass looks set to return in a bid to defend his crown. Trained by Oliver McKiernan and ridden to victory by Phillip Enright, he produced a career-best performance to land the race at 12-1 in 2025.
The nine-year-old has been raised just 3lb in the handicap, leaving him with a strong chance of following up in this year’s renewal.
Kinturk Kalanisi Seeks Redemption
Another major contender is Kinturk Kalanisi, trained by Tom Gibney. The gelding was travelling strongly in last year’s race before falling at the second-last fence under Anna McGuinness.
Gibney is hopeful his runner can make amends this time around.
“Hopefully Kinturk Kalanisi has a great chance on Sunday, and I do think he might have won had he stayed up in the race last year. He was going well when he came down, and I’d like to think he goes back there with a decent chance. It’s sure to be a good race, but he’s in good form and we’re hoping for the best.”
Mullins Quartet Adds Depth
Champion trainer Willie Mullins, who won the race in 2018 and 2019 with Pairofbrowneyes, holds a strong hand with four entries.
His team includes top weight High Class Hero, alongside Sa Majeste, Shanbally Kid, and Chosen Witness.
Meanwhile, Gordon Elliott relies solely on Ballybow, owned by Gigginstown House Stud. With €100,000 in prize money on offer, valuable races like the Leinster National could play a significant role in the ongoing Irish trainers’ championship, where Elliott currently holds a healthy lead.
Grade 3 Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle Also on the Card
BAR 1 Betting sponsors all seven races on Sunday’s card, including the co-feature, the Grade 3 BAR 1 Betting “Better Prices On Self-Service Betting Terminals” Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle.
Mullins has won the race for the past two years, and his sole entry this time is Davy Crockett, who made a big impression when winning on his hurdling debut at the Galway Races last summer before finishing down the field in a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival.
The Noel Meade-trained Blake also brings strong credentials, having finished second in the BAR 1 Betting Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at the Fairyhouse Racecourse Winter Festival. Already rated 139, he looks set to be a major player.
Elliott has entered Lazare De Star, while the Cullentra House team boasts an excellent recent record in the race, having won with Irish Point in 2023, as well as Cartwright (2018) and Sutton Place (2016).
Final Jumps Meeting of the Season at Naas
Sunday’s BAR 1 Betting Leinster National Day marks the final National Hunt meeting of the season at Naas.
The first race is scheduled for 2pm, and racegoers can secure early-bird tickets online for just €15, offering a great opportunity to enjoy a thrilling afternoon of top-class jumps racing.
