World Hurdle bound Falcon takes the Boyne

Dedigout s bid to add to his 2015 gains in the Boyne Hurdle fell flat as he could only manage last of the three in the Ladbrokes Ireland-backed two mile five furlong event. Always a man to be reckoned with at Navan, Noel Meade provided the winner with the Sean Flanagan-ridden Snow Falcon in the Grade 2 heat.

On the approach to two out Flanagan 'sussed out' the inside route on Snow Falcon but there wasn't the room there to go up the inner of Lieutenant Colonel

Given how well the Presenting gelding was travelling though, it mattered little as he could switch around and jump the last well on the way to a two and three quarter length verdict over Lieutenant Colonel.

Dedigout had no extra to give from before the last and ended up eleven lengths off them.

"Our biggest problem was that he was jumping so badly, and he was practically losing a length at all his hurdles. He's had a little back problem which has been causing him not to jump well," revealed Meade.

"He was very sore for a while after he fell at Christmas. That's why you didn't see him for so long but maybe that didn't do him any harm as he's better when he's a bit fresher. If he jumps as well as he jumped today he can go anywhere.

"He'll take his chance in the World Hurdle now, and go straight there. Hopefully he might jump a bit better. Three miles will be right up his alley. Monksland has more pace than him but this fella really stays.

"He's probably a horse that we could try on the Flat at some stage over a trip. He has an Aga Khan pedigree behind him, and is a horse that could win those staying races on the Flat."

For the World Hurdle about Snow Falcon it's 25/1 (from 50/1) from Ladbrokes, Paddy Power & BoyleSports.

Meanwhile on Road To Riches Meade said: "He seems fine and has come out of the race okay. He lost a few pounds but seems alright. There is no update other than he's alright and he goes to Cheltenham."

(AM & EM)