Arthur Moore saddled a double at Navan, highlighted by the narrow victory of The Quads in the Proudstown Handicap Hurdle. The #25,000 Listed race provided Clare rider Daniel Howard with his first winner since turning professional in November.
Howard (18), who had previously gained a couple of wins as an amateur in bumpers, produced the nine-year-old gelding to lead at the last but, after quickening three lengths clear, just held the renewed challenge of Mr Ventura. The short-head verdict was only confirmed after a lengthy deliberation by the photo-finish judge Michael O`Donoghue. A stewards enquiry was also called into possible interference in the closing stages but the placings remained unaltered.
Moore completed his double when Fadoudal Du Cochet readily justified favouritism in the Mannix Dowdall Handicap Chase. Conor O`Dwyer oozed confidence on the topweight, who comfortably beat Scoss by three and a half lengths.
Glens Music appreciated a drop in trip to take the two and a quarter mile Navan Novice Hurdle. Tom Treacy sent the lightly-raced mare to the front before the final flight, and she kept on well to hold the flattering Golden Row by a length. `She was a useful sort in bumpers but missed out a year with leg trouble. She may be suited by going back to two miles,` said trainer Al O`Connell.
Regal Venture made odds-on punters sweat in the opening Mullacurry Maiden Hurdle. The Michael O`Brien-trained gelding and Ilaron both travelled strongly to forge clear early in the straight, with Tom Rudd needing to get serious on the 1/2 chance for a length success.
`I`m a bit disappointed as I thought he would win easier than that,` said O`Brien, who is unsure about future plans for the six-year-old. He confirmed that Knife Edge is on target for the Arkle Chase at Leopardstown next weekend, while Pittsburgh Phil will have his Triumph Hurdle prep run at the Foxrock venue on February 4.
The EBF Beginners Chase proved a real incident-packed affairbut Executive Way avoided the mayhem - just six of the 15 runners completed the two mile and a furlong event - to provide Curragh trainer Pat Morris with his first winner. `I took out a licence at the beginning of this season (June 2000), and have 20 in training at present.`
Alan Magee
