Apache Stronghold leads Azorian over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Whether you were 'on' Apache Stronghold or not, it was difficult not to be 'warmed' by the performance of Noel Meade's charge in the Grade 2 "Monksfield" Novice Hurdle at Navan.
It was like old times at Proudstown Park as Paul Carberry cruised up on the Milan gelding in the straight.
After taking over from the front-running favourite Azorian from before the last, Apache Stronghold could afford to get that final flight 'wrong.'
Typical unfazed Carberry though, he stood back up in the irons, confident in his partner's ability, and he wasn't wrong as Mrs Patricia Hunt's five-year-old strode away to score by an un-extended three lengths.
The J P McManus, Aidan O'Brien and Tony McCoy runner, Carriganog a mere four-year-old, had every chance in the straight and ended up six and a half lengths off the front pair in third.
Meade remarked: "I thought it was a very strong race beforehand and to win like that is a real bonus.
"Paul said he was cantering all the way and he jumped well apart from the last.
"He didn't jump that well the last time in Punchestown – he was a bit lairy when he hit the front.
"He's something to look forward to and the obvious race is to come back here for the Grade 1 Navan Novice Hurdle (December 15th).
"At least we have one to take on Willie (Mullins) with now.
"Trip wise he doesn't want any shorter and he's a chaser really."
Boylesports introduced Apache Stronghold at 16/1 for the Neptune Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
The same firm go14/1 Apache Stronghold for the Albert Bartlett.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Devils Bride trained by W.P. Mullins was lame post race.
(AM & EM)
