Motown Maggie takes a thriller in the Navan finale

Motown Maggie recorded her third career win when defying topweight with a last gasp victory at odds of 3/1 in the NavanRacecourse.ie Mares Handicap Chase.

The daughter of Doyen, previously successful for Gordon Elliott in a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle and last autumn over fences at the Listowel Festival, looked set for third spot after jumping the last. Shes Some Doll put up an exhibition of jumping in front but the 2/1 favourite was caught in the final strides by Ben Harvey’s mount.

Half-a-length was the winning margin with Bonnie Kellie also running a cracker just a head away in third.

Elliott's assistant Ian Amond said, "It didn't look likely going to the last. Ben said she actually got in under the last but she picked up well at the back of it. She jumps and stays going and that's what you want.

"It's great for her owners, who are a great bunch of lads and they will get a bit of craic out of it.

“When they try for you it's half the battle.”

Quotes by Gary Carson