Walsh doubles up on Minion

The veteran Valours Minion gained his fourth win of the year when claiming the Meath Farm Machinery Handicap Chase at Navan.

It was a double on the day for Mark Walsh following the earlier victory of Pilgrim Way Aranhill Chief looked in control in the two-and-a-half mile contest as he lead by a couple of lengths going to the last.

An untidy leap let Valours Minion pounce, however, and he soon got on top to record a half length success.

The 8/1 winner, trained by Val O'Brien, has proven ultra-consistent this summer and had been in the money on his previous five outings.

"The horses are in good form. He likes that ground and stayed on really well up the hill," said O'Brien.

"Hopefully this weather keeps up for a while and he could go to Galway next month."

Well-backed favourite Elegant Statesman proved a disappointment and was pulled up before the last.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)