Heathfield brings up Townend treble

Paul Townend was the jockey to follow at Navan as he booted home his third winner on the card with Heathfield in the featured Grade C novice handicap chase final over three miles.

He raced off the pace as John Cullen Katnap who dictated matters from the front on Katnap. The latter though looked a sitting duck at the second last as four horses jostled in behind with the scent of victory in their nostrils.

It was Heathfield that stayed on and collared Katnap as they jumped the last and he kept on nicely up the hill for an authoritative four and three quarter length success at 2/1. Forever Gold the 15/8 favourite from 3/1 in the morning, came through for second under Phillip Enright.

Tony Martin trained the winner and he commented: "He's a great man the owner Joe McGee. I'm delighted for him as he was a long time waiting as the horse had problems. Fair play to him he stuck with him.

"He's based in London and unfortunately he's not over today. Him and Patsy Byrne are best pals and they've both been great patrons for me.

"Joe had a bit of a mishap with his sight a few years ago but he's been in good spirits. Hopefully this fella might have another day or two in him.

"It was a weak enough race for the pot. Two out you'd say he was in trouble, but stamina won the day. He loved the ground and the track.

"Paul let the others come back to him and that made the difference."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson