Suntiep dug deep in the closing stages to record a hard fought front-running success in the opening novice hurdle at Navan this afternoon.

Ruby Walsh grabbed the lead before the second flight on the unbeaten French-import but was happy enough to relinquish the advantage to Maccas Lad turning for home.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding was back in front after the second last but was soon strongly pressed by Irish Thistle and Bonisland who travelled well in behind.

Bonisland was asked to challenge at the final flight but couldn't find a way past the seven-year-old, who stuck on well to post a three-and-a-half length victory.

Both the winner and runner-up traded at 5/4 this morning, for the 2m7f event, but Suntiep proved easy to back and was returned 7/4 while Bonisland was well backed into 4/5 favourite.

The winner had landed his maiden hurdle here in January and also took a bumper on his debut at Limerick in November.

“He's very tough. I'd say last October if you told us he'd be three from three we'd have all laughed at you but he's tough, honest and jumps,” said Walsh afterwards.

“Ours was the fresher horse. He's had plenty of runs, Bonisland, but he set a fair level of some. We probably had to up our game to beat him but he has.

“There didn't look to be much pace on and I had to be fairly handy and try to force the issue if i could.

“In fairness to Navan they are doing well to race today. The track has taken a pounding all winter like a lot of tracks.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)