With a run at Meydan 30 days ago under his belt, Washington DC proved up to justifying 2/1 favouritism in the Listed Woodlands Stakes at Navan.

The winner of a Listed race over six furlongs here last May, Ballydoyle hope Washington DC added to his Proudstown Park gains under Seamie Heffernan, getting the better of the other previous course winner in the line-up, Ardhoomey by a neck.

Washington DC came through from the back to lead inside the final furlong.

Heffernan said: "He was the best horse in the race. All of Aidan's (O’Brien, winning trainer) are going to improve. Aidan's will improve more than other horses."

When asked if he sees Washington DC as a five or six furlong horse Heffernan replied: "He could probably mix it this year. Hopefully there will be more than one big day in him."

Paddy Power left Washington DC unchanged at 14/1 for the Kings Stand Stakes.

W.J. Lee, rider of Downforce trained by W. McCreery, reported to the Clerk of Scales that the ground was too quick for his mount.

(MG & EM)