Stag sticks neck out to gain maiden win

Stag Night made it third time lucky when getting off the mark with a game effort in the Lynn Lodge Stud Maiden at Navan.

The Willie McCreery-trained colt was always prominent on the stand's side in the extended five furlong contest before hitting the front over a furlong out.

Nathan Crosse had a willing partner in the closing stages as he held off the renewed challenge of Wren's Breath by a neck.

The son of Tagula had been in the money on both previous starts and was sent to post a 9/2 shot this afternoon.

“He's a lovely horse, he's a big horse and just took his time,” said McCreery.

“He thrived on that quicker ground. He's a seven furlong horse but I just thought I'd take a chance here with the stiff finish.

“Nathan said he got a bit lonely in front. He's a big scopey horse and just loves that ground.

“When he ran in Tipperary it was probably a bit yielding and he probably didn't get home. He loved that though, travelled beautifully the whole way through the race.

“We'll see what the handicapper does, that's his third run now.”