Top Man Michael comes out best

Noel Meade’s Top Man Michael wore down Sophies Echo in the last 100 yards to take the mile and a quarter claimer at Navan.

Sophies Echo tried to put the race to bed over two furlongs out under Fergal Lynch, but Johnny Murtagh pounced late on to win going away by two lengths at 9/4 having been 3/1 in the morning.

“I thought he would like that ground, with his action, and Johnny said he loved it and stayed well,” Noel Meade said.

“He’s well schooled and will make a hurdler.”

Straits Of Zanzibar was sent off 2/1 favourite for Ken Condon and Shane Foley but could make no impression in fourth of the six runners. He was easy to back from 5/4 in the morning.

Michael Graham