Davy Russell steers Buddy Rich home© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott doubled up at Navan when Buddy Rich made the breakthrough over fences in the beginners' chase.
Buddy Rich had been runner-up in his four previous appearances over fences.
Four horses held valid claims after the third last but the whole complexion of the race changed at the next. Ballyadam and Wide Receiver disputed but the latter crashed out and hampered the former. This left Buddy Rich in second. Hannon also took a fall when in contention in fourth.
Buddy Rich got after Ballyadam and passed him before the last. He was driven clear on the run-in by Davy Russell. The 5/1 chance beat the even-money favourite by four lengths. Wanchu Bach (150/1) plodded on for third some 69 lengths adrift.
“He's been a great horse, he runs well everyday, and it's great for John (Keegan) as it's the first horse he's had with us. He's local and he's a good fella,” said Gordon Elliott.
“He doesn't want real soft ground so as soon as the ground goes we'll leave him off.
“It's obviously bitter sweet with the other horse (Wide Receiver fatally injured), who was running a good race too.”
Elliott also took the opener with Ginto
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
