Donc gets off the mark in Navan opener Dis Donc battled gamely to record a deserved first victory over jumps in the opening maiden hurdle at Navan this afternoon. Sean Flanagan produced the 4/1 to dispute the lead with Antey over the third last in the two-miler with The Holy One also close up. Dis Donc gained a narrow lead over Antey jumping the last but his rival proved dogged on the run-in and Noel Meade's charge was all out at the line to secure a neck success. The Gigginstown-owned winner had finished runner-up on his three previous outings over hurdles. There was a stewards enquiry called after Dis Donc edged left on the run-in and gave Antey a slight bump. The result stood after the deliberations. “He looked like he was going to win a minute and then he was lucky to win in the end. He might not like to be in front too long but I think he might like better ground as well. When he won in France it was on fast ground,” said Meade afterwards. (Quotes by Alan Magee)
