Ancient Sands one for the early birds

Ancient Sands delivered his challenge at the last and galloped on strongly to land the two mile handicap hurdle at Navan.

John Kiely 's seven-year-old gelding was popular in morning-price trading as he shortened to 15/2 from 10/1 before being returned at 7/1. Bashful Beauty reeled in clear leader Back To Balloo and set sail for home at the second last. However, Brian Hayes got a tune out of Ancient Sands and the pair moved into a narrow lead from Bashful Beauty at the final flight.

Ancient Sands kept finding on the uphill run-in to win by a length and a half from Bashful Beauty (16/1). Mighty Concorde (7/1) could give no more after the last and had to settle for third while 9/4 favourite Baroque Style (from an opening show of 7/2) completed the placings in fourth.

John Kiely said: "He was fit from the flat, and was unlucky in Leopardstown as everywhere he ran into trouble.

"He ran a few times over fences but we may keep him over hurdles now for this season."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee