Irish Grand National winner Davids Lad (5/4f) staged a glorious encore at Navan today, running out an easy winner of the EBF Novice Handicap Chase Final.
Tony Martin's gelding was again given a patient waiting ride by Timmy Murphy
and cruised up to lead approaching two out.
He soon went clear with the minimum effort and had 7l to spare at the line from long-time leader Ceoil Agus Craic.
Edward O'Grady took the day's training honours, recording a 29/1 double with Clooneen (7/1) and Never More (3/1-11/4).
O'Grady admitted to being pleasantly surprised with the victory of Clooneen
who ran out a comfortable 5l winner of the Scanlons Pub of Kilberry Maiden Hurdle (Div 1) under Garrett Cotter.
Cotter deputised for the injured Norman Williamson, who suffered a fall at Aintree on Friday night.
Cotter, himself, was to suffer a nasty fall in the Beginners Chase when Tardini fell at the second. He was taken to hospital after suffering concussion and will miss the next seven days.
O'Grady's Never More earned a summer holiday when opening his chasing account under Barry Geraghty in the contest. The French-bred had 7l to spare at the line from 5/2f Embellished.
Golden Row (3/1) took the first division of the Scanlons Pub of Kilberry Maiden Hurdle for Charles Byrnes and jockey Philip O'Brien.
Assessed (5/2-4-7/2) stayed on well to take the Joe Norris Motors Handicap Hurdle under Ruby Walsh and winning trainer Willie Mullins is looking forward to sending the gelding chasing.
'He took a long while to come to himself as he's such a huge horse. He should make his mark over fences.'
Injury prone Patriot Games (5/1-6/1-11/2) battled resolutely to land the spoils in a tight finish to the Navan Commercials Truck Importers Handicap Hurdle.
The gelding, who has broken down in the past, has a pin in his knee and trainer/jockey Charlie Swan said 'it was a bonus to win any race' with him.
