Futurum Regem in a different league to his rivals

Futurum Regem absolutely cruised home in the two mile six furlong handicap in Navan.

The bottom weight went after 13/8 favourite Gaspard Du Seuil at the third last and travelled much the better on the run to the next.

He eased into the lead jumping two out and the 'jolly' soon got tired as Futurum Regem readily moved clear before the last.

He wasn't fluent but was in complete control as he glided in on the bridle for Dillon Maxwell to win by nine lengths at 12/1. Robinstown (22/1) won the race for second and was a length and a half in front of Skol at 16/1.

"He's a small little horse, he needed a light weight on his back and good ground,” said trainer Hugh Finegan.

“He was never able to carry weight and hopefully the handicapper will see that and won't be too hard on us.

“He's ground dependent and if the ground turns we'll probably run him in Dundalk, even though he doesn't like it that well. If he's in good form we might give him a run or two and then bring him back for the spring.

“We're very lucky here today to get good ground.

“We're a small team, I'm a farmer, and was only doing it as a hobby for years but my nephew Eoghan Finegan is very keen and has got an amateur licence so we are upping things a wee bit.

“We've put a gallop in and hopefully things will kick on from here.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson