Dedigout, left, comes to beat Mala Beach in Navan © Photo Healy Racing
Dedigout bounced back to form in the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle at Navan.
The seven-year-old, in the Gigginstown colours, was pushed along by Davy Russell to get into contention two from home in this two and a half mile contest.
He challenged Mala Beach at the last and saw that rival off on the run-in to score by a length and three quarters at odds of 9/2.
Mala Beach came in as the runner-up at 5/2 while 15/8 favourite Captain Cee Bee was third, a further 16 lengths behind after making a mistake at the second last and weakening after the final flight.
Trainer Tony Martin said: “That’s his ground, he needs soft ground. Any better and it’s pointless running him. He won well last year in his first race then lost his confidence in the big novice chase at Leopardstown [Grade 1 Topaz on December 28]. He leaped brilliantly today.”
Ladbrokes gave Dedigout a quote of 16/1 for the World Hurdle after this race, while Paddy Power offered 20/1.
Dedigout was giving weight away in this race and was winning over course and distance for the second time. He’s now five from six over hurdles. When last seen in Killarney he was fourth in a six-runner chase behind Rathlin.
