Brian off the mark in style Mad Brian stretched away in good style to land the Nobber Maiden Hurdle by an impressive 34 lengths at Navan this afternoon. The Gillian Callaghan-trained gelding had proven no match for Defy Logic at Fairyhouse last time before unshipping his jockey at the last. He had nothing of that calibre to worry about today and it proved plain sailing for Fergal Harford this time. 66/1 outsider Boxwood Boy took them along in the two-miler but was tackled at the third last by Mad Brian. The 9/10 favourite went on before the next and was pulling clear of nearest pursuer Pyrus Gold Wind when that rival fell at the last. Boxwood Boy was hampered by the faller and was run out of it for the runner-up spot by Champagne Agent in the closing stages. The winner was easy to back, opening 8/11 on course and eventually returning a shade of odds-on. He was gaining a deserved victory having been runner-up in two bumpers and on his last start on his hurdling debut. It was a first winner 'on the track' for Harford, who is the trainer's brother and also brother of former well known amateur Greg. The rider has had a winner in a point-to-point. “He's a decent horse and we always thought he was,” said Callaghan afterwards. “He was off the track for a while and the syndicate that own him were very patient. I'm not sure were we'll go now but it's great to get a win. We'll maybe have a look at something at Fairyhouse or Punchestown.” There was drama at the rear of the action between Hero De Villeneuve and Parlour Of Dreams. Andrew Lynch showed great sportsmanship at the third flight when rival Parlour Of Dreams blundered and it appeared that his bridle slipped over his ear. He moved his mount Hero De Villeneuve close to the other horse and adjusted the tack before Keith Donoghue completed the job. Lynch's good deed wasn't rewarded however as his horse fell four from home and in the process he brought down Parlour Of Dreams. Lynch was stood down for the rest of the day after receiving five stitches in his lip. (Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
