Barbary is the Master in bumper Barbary Master confirmed the promise of his debut fourth under rules at Thurles last month when taking the Racing March 28 (Pro-Am) INH Flat Race at Navan. The Gigginstown-owned son of Presenting was sent off a 13/2 (from 8/1) chance and was given a fine ride by promising claimer Eoin Walsh. Noel Meade’s charge responded gamely under pressure and, after the first three home were virtually in a line a furlong out, kept on really well in the closing stages to prevail by two and a quarter lengths. Jimmy Jimmy took the runner-up spot while Largy Debut, well-backed overnight and sent off the 7/4 favourite, was confidently ridden but could find no extra up the final hill to finish another half length away in third. The trio finished well clear of the remainder in the very testing conditions. Meade said, “He's a nice horse and he stays really well. I'm looking forward to him next year over hurdles. “Being by Presenting you sort of wondered about the ground but I felt he stayed so well that he probably handled the ground pretty well. “Eoin is great value for the 7lb claim.” (GC & AM)
