Luke Dempsey kicked for home after the second last on 6/1 joint favourite Theatre World and the move reaped a reward in the Dun A Ri Blinds Handicap Hurdle at Navan.

The front-running duo soon moved clear and galloped home by three and a quarter lengths.

Another 6/1 joint favourite, The Abbey came home second while Something Sweet (8/1) and Tiger Twenty Two (11/1) finished third and fourth respectively.

“It seems to be suiting front-runners today. It's the best he ever travelled, he was just a happy horse today,” said Ross O'Sullivan.

“Luke gave him a great ride and got the fractions right in front. He just enjoyed it all the way, the ground is good and he stacked them all up behind him and had another go.

“He's a very consistent horse but hadn't travelled very well in his races and that's what has let him down, but today he travelled great and he'll be a lovely horse over a fence.

“It's great to have a winner at Navan at the start of the season.

“I'd say he wants a bit of nice ground, he mightn't go on heavy ground but we could get well into the start of October to mid-November before it changes too much.

“I'd definitely keep him going when he's in that sort of form.

“It's great for the Monroes. Rob Monroe is here, his father John died in the summer and he bought this horse.

“There are loads of memories attached to him. He's after getting off the phone to his mother and she's crying at home. A horse like that keeps the memories going.”

The Stewards interviewed D. Meyler, rider of Balgowlah concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and photographic evidence was presented from Ms. Inge D'Haese, IHRB veterinary officier. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered all the evidence the Stewards found D. Meyler in breach of Regulation 10.3 (g), excessive frequency, and Regulation 10.3 (f), excessive force. Having considered D. Meyler's record in this regard they suspended D. Meyler for three race days.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson