Saddlers cruises home in novice final

Saddlers Storm made it a hat-trick with a cosy victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Chase Final at Navan.

Davy Russell sent his mount to the front approaching two out in the €48,500 contest and the 4/1 favourite soon had matters in hand.

He kept on strongly from before the last and Russell could afford to ease down close home to beat Jack The Bus by five lengths.

"It was a toss up whether to come here or run at Cheltenham in the four-miler," said winning trainer Tony Martin.

"The plan since Christmas was to run in the four-miler and Derek (O'Connor) was to ride but off 114 I thought we couldn't miss this.

"Uttoxeter would probably come too soon after running over three miles today. He'll be a grand horse for staying chases next season."