Gibney keen to go for National Trial with Navan winner Luck

Trim-based handler Tom Gibney followed up on his victory with Young Paddymc at Punchestown less than a week ago to win the Race Displays Event Signage Beginners Chase at Navan courtesy of the David Mullins-ridden Ah Littleluck

Danny Mullins won on Young Paddymc, and indeed he took today's feature for his mother Mag on Agusta Gold Cousin David enjoyed a nice spin here on the Kevin Haigney-owned Ah Littleluck (7/2).

Favourite Westland Row was disputing the lead and had every chance when falling two out, but he'd have had his work cut out to contain Ah Littleluck in any case, given the ease with which he accounted for Frankly All Talk

Nine and a half lengths split them at the line.

“The race cut up in fairness and we got all the luck we needed which doesn’t always happen for him," said Gibney.

“He’s normally a spring/summer horse so we gave him a break and I wasn’t sure whether he was quite fit enough for this.

“We’re keen to test him over an extreme distance and we’re looking at running him in the National Trial at Punchestown next month. There’s not many races over that distance, and we’ll aim for it although whether he gets in or not is another story.”

The Stewards interviewed S.W. Flanagan, rider of Stoneford concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that S.W. Flanagan was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards cautioned S.W. Flanagan.

The Stewards interviewed S.W. Flanagan, rider of Stoneford, following a report from the IHRB Veterinary Officer having examined the animal post race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that S.W. Flanagan was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive force. Having considered his previous record, the Stewards suspended S.W. Flanagan for 1 raceday.

(AM & EM)