Beau Michael justified top weight at 9/2 when running out the game winner of the one mile five furlongs handicap at Navan for trainer Ado McGuinness.

The dual-purpose campaigner hit the lead 150 yards out from front-runner Total Reality who faded to third at 10/1, and had enough in reserve to fend off well- backed 15/8 favourite Apache Drums by a length and a half in second.

The winner suffered a walk in the betting market from 3/1 to 9/2, but his backers were rewarded in fine style.

“He’s a super horse. He’s in the two mile six furlongs handicap at Ascot on Tuesday but its too late now. He’s well handicapped over hurdles for Galway. He could go there for the two mile four on the Saturday,” Ado McGuinness said.

“The young lad [Ian Brennan] went for better ground up the straight. He’s a good lad and knows him so well. We’ll keep tipping away with the horse but will see what the handicapper does with him.”

Michael Graham