Levee springs surprise on debut

Newcomer Levee Breaks sprang a surprise in the opener at Navan this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

Ridden by Mark Gallagher and trained by Eddie Harty, who were also on the mark at Dundalk yesterday evening with Paved Paradise, the gelded son of Moohaajim was sent off at 33/1 (opened at 40s on-course).

Settled just behind the leaders, the bay victor came with his effort from the two furlong pole, and got to the front with over a furlong left to race, keeping on strongly from there to score by three and a quarter lengths.

The Richard O'Brien trained That's Mad (66/1) made good late progress to finish an eye-catching second, while Mistress Of Venice (13/2 to 9/2) was another half a length back in third on her debut for Ken Condon. Captainofthebounty was sent off the 7/4 favourite under Donnacha O'Brien for his father Aidan, but he could only manage a disappointing seventh.

Harty said afterwards: "We've always thought a lot of that horse, and he gave the impression at home that he was at least a maiden horse. I'm delighted he's gone and proven it today, and has won impressively in the finish.

"He didn’t go into the stalls at Fairyhouse last year. It might have been a blessing in disguise as it was particularly quick that day and he's a burly horse.

"In an ideal world somebody would come in and buy him off that (Mulgrave) Partnership but we'll have to wait and see.

"I'd say six would suit him better. He looks like a sprinter and has won over five but that's stiff."

The winner was sold for E30,000 as a foal, and was sold again as a yearling, going for E35,000.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee