Down Under was the comprehensive five lengths winner of the 25-runner two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle at Navan.
The 11/4 favourite (who paid just over 9/2 on the Tote), running in the JP McManus colours for trainer Francis Flood, travelled ominously well and was kicked into the lead by Mark Walsh two flights from home.
He was kept up to his work to take the spoils from Johnny Two Keys (6/1). Al Dafa (25/1) and Back On The Road (20/1) took the minor placings.
Francis Flood jnr commented: “He did it well. His run in the north was a good run and he stayed at it [third in a 2m 6f handicap hurdle at Down Royal on November 5].
“Mark said today he wanted to ride him handier and that suited him well. It was a low grade contest but he stuck at it well. He could go further.
“We’ll talk to Frank [Frank Berry racing manager to JP McManus] and see what he wants to do. It’s great to get a winner."
The winner was well supported on course from 4/1 to 11/4. The runner-up was nibbled at from 7/1 to 6/1 while money also came for Sir Loujay from the Liz Doyle yard, 20/1 to 12/1 but he finished out of the money in 12th place.
Michael Graham
