Landsman comes home a comfortable winner under Caroline Murtagh© Photo Healy Racing
Just three went to post for the opener at Navan, the Country & Western Evening Claiming Race, and it was Landsman (11/2 from 33's before Braver The Bull was withdrawn) who came out on top under Caroline Murtagh for her father Johnny. Roibeard who won at Fairyhouse on his last start, was sent off the 1/6 favourite for this mile and a quarter contest, but he could only manage a disappointing second under Evan Daly for Ger Lyons.
The winner, who finished down the field on his first three starts last year, was sent off an 11/2 chance in the colours of JP Murtagh Racing.
Settled in second, the son of Canford Cliffs improved to lead over three furlongs out. He was ridden from the two furlong pole and soon stretched clear, going on to score by seven lengths.
Roibeard trailed home in second, while Sir Run Run was forty-seven lengths back in last.
The winning rider said afterwards: "The small field suited him. I rode him as a two-year-old and loved him. Dad kept him for me and it's nice to get the win.
"He had run on soft ground and at Dundalk. Colin (Keane) said then that he liked the standard so it was no surprise that he liked good ground.
Murtagh's father Johnny was absent and she added: - "I ride better when he's not here!"
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
Braver The Bull was withdrawn at the start, while Brontide, who won at Leopardstown yesterday, was taking out earlier due to the going.
