18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Modem strikes in Navan opener

Sat 6th Dec 2014, 12:41

Modem and Robbie PowerModem and Robbie Power
© Photo Healy Racing

Modem landed the spoils in the opener at Navan this afternoon as hotpot The Big Apple failed to shine.

Robbie Power produced 12/1 shot Modem to lead before the second last in the two mile Kells Maiden Hurdle after tracking leader Annagh Heaven throughout.

The Jessica Harrington-trained gelding galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-half victory.

50/1 newcomer Last Encounter ran a stormer on his debut for Mag Mullins to chase home the winner.

The Big Apple, a well supported 8/13 favourite (6/4 in morning), failed to quicken in the straight and could only finish a well held sixth.

Modem was making his third start over timber. He had unseated on his debut at Naas before finishing a moderate fifth in a novice event at Gowran Park.

“Robbie said they went a hell of a gallop. He was unlucky first time at Naas and then at Gowran it was a bit too heavy for him,” said Harrington.

“It was better ground here and we said we'd ride him more positively. He was in front a good way out but he stayed on well.

“I'd like to go to Leopardstown if I could as you usually get better ground there. He's a light framed horse and wouldn't get through heavy. He didn't like firm ground on the Flat. He likes a bit of a dig but not heavy.

“I'm delighted for the owner Turlough Blessing who is from Castleknock. He's had some bad luck with a few horses so it's great that this one has won.” Argentino sent off a 4/1 shot for Willie Mullins, was found to be coughing after finishing down the field in 15th.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)

1st
12/1
Tote €16.00 €1.70
2nd
1.5L
50/1
€5.40
3rd
3.75L
33/1
€7.30
bf
5L
8/13Fav
About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.