Condon picks up winning spare on River

Davy Condon stepped in for the winning ride on Mullaghanoe River as he posted a cosy victory in the two-and-a-half mile maiden hurdle at Navan.

The 7/4 favourite travelled well to hit the front going to the second last and was followed through by Golden Plan

He always looked to have that rivals measure and was pushed out to assert after the last.

The Noel Meade-trained gelding went on to record a three-and-a-quarter length victory. Gold Bullet kept on nicely on the run-in to secure the runner-up spot.

The winner had blundered away his chance on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown last month having landed a bumper at the same venue over Christmas.

“He made a bad mistake two out at Leopardstown. I know that was a better race than this but it really knocked the stuffing out of him,” said Meade.

“He's still a bit weak but will make a nice chaser next season. I was a little concerned about the ground as he ran on it before at Naas and never really travelled on it.”

Meade also had news on Paul Carberry, who had to give up his mounts today due to injury:- “He was in the yard yesterday and a horse that he was breaking-in reared back on him. It caught him near the eye and he needed eight stitches across the eyelid.

“He rang me early this morning and he knew he was in trouble as he couldn't see out of it. It's very sore and hopefully he'll be back riding later in the week.”

It was a double on the card for Davy Condon after the earlier shock victory of Chicago Grey

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)