Hop In (left) challenges over the last with Balnagon Boy (centre) and Blacklough (right) © Photo Healy Racing
Hop In dug deep on the run-in to gained a deserved victory in the two-mile handicap hurdle at Navan this afternoon.
Three jumped the last in contention with Blacklough gaining the advantage from Hop In as they claimed Balnagon Boy who had been prominent throughout.
David Casey got a good tune from Hop In in the closing stages to grab Blacklough and record a three-parts-of-a-length victory.
The winner, sent off 7/2 favourite (from 9/2), had been runner-up on his last four outings including twice this season at Naas and Punchestown.
“He'll go chasing eventually but he's entitled to stay hurdling for another while after that,” said Moore.
“The inside track at Punchestown was a bit sharp for him. He wants a stiff two miles or further.
“He's a good tough horse and hopefully there is another hurdle in him. He'll make a grand chaser.”
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
