Madeira Classic and Fran Berry© Photo Healy Racing
The Christy Roche trained Madeira Classic gained an overdue maiden win at Navan today, providing his jockey Fran Berry with the second leg of a double, in the Seamus McCarville 20th Anniversary Memorial Handicap.
The son of Alhaarth was today having just his second start since November 2012 and quickened well in the closing stages to justify 7/2 joint-favouritism and beat 20/1 shot Annagh Haven
Roche wasn't present but Berry, who earlier partnered Bocca Baciata to win the featured Listed race, stated "Christy (Roche) had him in great shape but he is a horse who has had problems. I always felt he'd win a race or two and it's great to get a win with him now.
"The ground was just soft enough for him and he finished out his race very well. He should provide plenty fun when conditions suit him and and he'll have no problem going 1m6f or two miles."
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
