Rory Cleary made the perfect start to his association with Jim Bolger's yard when File And Paint landed the mile handicap at Navan.

Cleary produced the filly with a well-timed challenge up the rail to hit the front at the furlong pole.

She always had to much in hand for President Lincoln staying on well for a length success.

The winner had attracted some support in the ring, backed from 12/1 into 8/1. It was Cleary's first success since last August.

"She's in again at Ballinrobe on Monday and we'll see how she comes out of this," said stable representative Ger Flynn.

"It's great for Rory who only started to ride out with us on Monday morning. It's a great confidence boost for him."

The Stewards enquired into the improvement in form of the winner but accepted the explanation that a drop in trip and better ground made the difference.