Royal Romeo outstays rivals under Cooper

The 15/8 favourite Royal Romeo just got the better of market rival Riann to win the 2m4f maiden hurdle.

Pushed along behind the leaders by Bryan Cooper two out, the Mamool gelding was ridden in third at the last and came through to head Riann inside the final furlong. The latter didn't help himself by hanging badly right in the closing stages. Three parts of a length was the winning margin with A Million Bucks the same distance back in third.

Winning trainer Noel Meade said: "Up in trip and cheekpieces on.

"Funny, he did the same thing again today - he was nearly going too free down the back and he took him back a bit and then he fell asleep again.

"He felt if he jumped the last, he was going to pick him (Riaan) up.

"He sort of comes and goes a little bit I thought, but he loves the ground. He does stay fairly well. I'd say he could even go further."

Meade retired as chairman of Navan a while ago and the track gave him a presentation today. He said: "It was very nice of them to give me a send-off like that.

"The man that has gone in as chairman now, Jimmy Owens, is a great fella and has been here for a very long time. He has been a rock here for so long and he just lives down the road.

"I've been on the committee in Navan as long as I can remember. It may be 30 years ago or longer since I started."

Quotes from Michael Graham