Thirsty Work left clear at last in opener

Thirsty Work justified good support at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting, and the J P McManus-owned six-year-old followed up that victory in the 2017 Navan Membership Rated Novice Hurdle.

Barry Geraghty was rerouted to Navan after the earlier abandonment of Ascot, and he replaced Mark Walsh aboard the Jessica Harrington-trained gelding.

The 7/4 favourite was alongside chief market-rival Duke Cass when the latter fell at the final flight.

Thirsty Rock was left clear to beat Cadeau Du Bresil by five and a half lengths, with Amaulino a further three and three quarter lengths back in third.

Harrington said, “That was a nice stepping stone, and hopefully he can go for another one like this next time. I think he had the measure of the other horse at the last, although he did very little up the hill. He’s very laid back.

“He’ll make a smashing chaser, and will get further which is great. There is a novice rated hurdle up to 130 coming up which would be ideal for him. We’ll take little steps for the moment. The three-mile novice handicap later on at Fairyhouse could be a race for him.”