Donal Murphy
Lord too good for Nap
Lord In Red and Jonathan Moore pictured on their way to victory
© Photo Healy Racing
Lord In Red and Kaatskill Nap dominated the Roscommon On-Course Vets Maiden Hurdle, with the former coming out on top under Jonathan Moore for Noel Meade.
In first and second throughout, Kaatskill Nap just led over the last, but with the rail to help him, Lord In Red rallied gamely, going on to prevail by two and three parts of a length.
Third at Kilbeggan on his last start, the German bred victor was returned at 10/1 this afternoon in the colours of the Lord In Red Partnership.
The runner-up, who appeared to be travelling best from early in the straight, was returned the 11/10 favourite (from 11/8) under Paul Townend for Willie Mullins.
The front-two went ten lengths clear of Thermistocles (4/1) in third, with Mark Walsh aboard this one for Joseph O'Brien.
Meade said afterwards: "He's very nervous of other horses and I'd say the fact that he was on his own and Paul (Townend) kept away from him was a help. He always showed us plenty of ability but he's been a long time about getting his head there.
"He'll probably have to go for a handicap now, and he'd make a nice chaser. He's a good ground horse, and now that he's got his head in front he could win a few."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee