Cadogan and Keith Donoghue put in a great leap at the last to win from the front at Navan© Photo Healy Racing
Jim Dreaper secured a memorable double at Navan when Cadogan (16/1) put in a foot perfect display of jumping to take the featured Grade C handicap chase.
The 12-year-old, the oldest horse in the field, led from the front and kept up the gallop over three miles on testing ground to win by two and a quarter lengths from 4/1 favourite Ballyburke from Philip Rothwell’s yard.
Ballyburke was supported from 12/1 to 8/1 this morning and then from 8/1 to 4/1 at the track but he couldn’t quite get to the winner after the last. Give Us A Hand took third at 20/1 while Sumkindasuprstar rewarded each way punters by grabbing fourth at 14/1 in the 16-runner contest.
“I'm delighted for the owner (Jarlath Conway). He's been so patient as he's a 12-year-old,” trainer Jim Dreaper said.
“Some trainers get credit for teaching a horse to jump but he's been able to jump from day one. Most of the best jumpers are able to do it themselves.
“He's had a couple of sessions of leg trouble and his half-brother Mely Moss was the same. He finished second in a Grand National.
“He'll get an entry in the Irish National. It looked like another half mile would be no problem as he didn't stop.
“The owners have been very patient and I told them from day one to wait if they could.” The Bishop Looney who was sent off 9/2 second favourite, was pulled up before two out as he had pulled a muscle.
Michael Graham
