Dunguib and Brian O'Connell jump the last© Photo Healy Racing
Former Cheltenham Bumper winner Dunguib rolled back the years in devastating style with a win to warm the heart at Navan today, landing the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Boyne Hurdle under regular rider Brian O'Connell and for his patience-of-a-saint trainer Philip Fenton.
Fenton and O'Connell combined for big race success with another one-time crock, Last Instalment in last weekend's Hennessy Gold Cup but added to that today with another fine performance from the 2009 Cheltenham Festival winner.
O'Connell allowed Dunguib to lead at halfway and from the third last flight, had his three rivals well behind and in trouble. Dunguib maintained the gallop for an easy six lengths win over 5/4f Zaidpour which raced in snatches and without enthusiasm before belatedly staying on for the 'silver'.
Dunguib, who was absent through injury for almost three years until making his comeback last month, had been nursed back to full health by Fenton who later stated “he got a little tired from the last but Brian was making him look as impressive as he could but I'd say the choke was out. It was grand and a lovely performance though and it's great to get a good horse back.
“He can often be a bit jizzy but he was good throughout the race today and settled well and jumped better today, as he can often be a bit casual.
“There's a good chance he'll go to Cheltenham again and we'll see what the handicapper does but we'll look at the County or Coral Hurdle; he got the Coral trip well enough today.”
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
