D'Albain good in the Prancer and Dancer

Last Time D'Albain has been a great horse for his owners the Fontstown Syndicate and trainer Liam Cusack and he bolted-up in the concluding 'Prancer and Dancer' Handicap Chase at Navan under Paddy Flood.

The French-bred was unlucky to come up against the in-form mare Cloughmile when gambled-on at Gowran last time but he had no such problems here.

Again backed, from 6s into 5s, Last Time D'Albain travelled and jumped well but he gave his supporters a brief scare when a bit slow over the last when in front. However he changed gear quickly to leave Prince Of Milan in his wake, crossing the line six lengths to the good.

Cusack said: "He was a bit unfortunate to come up against a good mare in Cloughmile last time and he got heavily penalised for that (hiked up 12Ibs in the ratings - that Gowran run was his handicap bow).

"I'm delighted for Paddy Flood (now off the cold jocks list) – he gave him a lovely ride.

"The horse will probably get hit by the handicapper again now."

The Stewards fined Mr. Eoghan O’Grady €200 for the late withdrawal of The Book Thief from this race.(AM & EM)