Sunsetstorise (10/1 into 13/2) justified the confidence of his backers when returning to form in the www.navanracecourse.ie Handicap Chase.

With cheek-pieces deployed for the first time, Ger Fox's mount asserted from before the last on the way to a two and a half length win over odds-on favourite Ontopoftheworld

Winning trainer Fran Flood said: "It's the first bit of heavy ground that he's been lucky enough to get this year. It was an ordinary contest and it suited him well. He only has a certain gear and he plods away through that ground where other horses can't.

"I'm not sure what's in the programme for him but we'll go for something similar if we can find it. The syndicate are from Grangecon and include the breeders, Noeleen and Tom O'Toole."

The Stewards requested a report from Francis J. Flood, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Sunsetstorise, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Francis J. Flood reported that a combination of the application of first time cheekpieces, the heavy underfoot conditions and the small field of runners were contributing factors to the improved performance. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

(AM & EM)