Ask And Answer tough out under O'Keeffe

Ask And Answer held on gamely to win the first division of the Meath Farm Machinery Handicap Hurdle in Navan by the narrowest margin.

Sean O'Keeffe 's mount was there to be shot at as he held a fractional advantage over two out and looked to be under pressure.

He kept boxing on, though, and met the last on a good stride. Uknowcarty really served it up to him on the run-in and Nathaniel's Dream engaged another gear just behind in third.

Uknowcarty headed Ask And Answer in the closing stages but the nine-year-old gelding dug deep to get back in front close home.

Nathaniel's Dream came with a charge down the outer and forced the photograph with Ask And Answer clinging on by a nose at 15/2.

Nathaniel's Dream went off the 4/1 favourite and was three quarters of a length in front of Uknowcarty (6/1). Dragon's Pass completed the placings in fourth at 11/2.

Trainer Sean Aherne said: “He was entitled to win one of those and hopefully he might get another one, maybe chasing.

“Sean was very good on him today. I'd say he's a horse that's a bit nervous in among horses and if he is able to dictate, like he did today, he's a happier horse.

“Every one of them is deeply appreciated.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson