Galianna finally gets there over flights

A four time winner on the level, Galianna put her vast hurdling experience to good use when on outing number nine over timber she justified favouritism (9/2 into 3/1) under David Casey in the opening thetote.com Mares Maiden Hurdle at Navan.

Not surprisingly over this minimum trip on the quick ground, there were any number still with claims up the straight but after leading before the second last, the victorious daughter of Galileo stayed on well to defeat the coming home well outsider Cnoc Seoda

Frank Berry, representing winning owner J P McManus, said: "She jumped really well and did it well today. It's quick enough ground out there and we'll look for a handicap for her next."

For successful trainer Pat Flynn this victory very nearly fell on an anniversary date. On the 1st of April 1981 the Waterford handler had his first runner, Cheap Display, with Kevin O'Brien up, also at Navan. (MG & EM)