Navigator Jack with winning connections © Photo Healy Racing
After winning the opener on Dutch Schultz Keith Donoghue completed a quick double when 10/3 favourite Navigator Jack was a ready winner of the Traynors Of Wexford Handicap Hurdle.
A winner at Listowel last summer, the Fame And Glory gelding recently changed hands and gave new owner Leonard Kinsella an immediate return when heading Rebel Waltz at the second-last and drawing clear to beat that rival by nine lengths.
Winning trainer Eoin Griffin said: "The horse became available after his last run. Leonard stepped in and kept him in the yard, so I’m delighted. It’s my first winner for Leonard and he has another horse in the yard as well.
"It’s nice to get another win with him. He has been consistent this season without getting his head in front. Keith gave him a lovely ride and I don’t think the horse knew he was in a race until he appeared between the last two flights.
"He is what he is and has won two now. Hopefully there is another win over hurdles in him. Bellewstown would be Leonard’s home track and there is a race for him there at the end of the month, but he would be stepping up in grade.
"He is definitely better going left-handed. Last year he was being a bit of a monkey and wasn’t behaving himself well when going right-handed. He has been a model of consistency this season and we will probably go back right-handed with him at some stage. He seems to be very settled now."
Quotes from Donal Murphy
