Tom Hamilton and Castra Vetera in full cry© Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O'Brien's Castra Vetera had to give weight away to all of her rivals in the Listed mares' bumper at Navan and did so with a remorseless front-running display.
She was particularly strong up the stiff finish and took the prize by three and three quarter lengths at 9/4. Party Central couldn't land a blow in second at 5/2. Lunar Display completed the placings another three and a quarter lengths away in third at 18/1. Mare Quimby the 2/1 favourite, disappointed back in seventh.
“Tom (Hamilton) said there was going to be no pace and she stays well. She galloped them into the ground,” said assistant trainer Brendan Powell.
“She looks like a gelding, she's a gorgeous, big filly. I'm sure she'll improve from the run as well and she looked pretty decent.
“She's done a lot of schooling at home and she jumps very well. I'd presume that will be the route she'll take now and she could be good.
“She had a penalty there and was giving a fair bit of weight away and did it well.”
Castra Vetera is now three from four in mares' bumpers. She was unplaced in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown in February.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
