Blazing Beacon was left to come home an effortless winner of an action packed beginners chase at Navan.
The 9/10 favourite was left in the lead before the eighth last fence as Derinlaur slipped up going into the back straight. First Impressions was left in second and tried hard to make a race of it with the market leader from the fourth last.
He was fighting a losing battle, however, before crashing out at the third last. Sylvan Approach a moderate third, was pulled up quickly at that fence also.
It left Magnum Force to come through and claim the second spot, having been trailing the field for much of the race.
Blazing Beacon could afford to cruise home in his own time, recording a 30-length success in the hands of Eddie O'Connell. Market Garden who raced a moderate fourth for much and had weakened turning for home, was the only other finisher, 22 lengths further back.
The race, originally with 11 runners, had been decimated by withdrawals earlier in the day and only six went to post with half the field getting around.
Owner/trainer Frank McGuinness said, "He likes good ground but its fairly quick out there. He did it well, and hopefully we can keep him going with the ground in his favour. There could be a novice chase for him at Punchestown next month."
Gary Carson
