Gareth Malone's legs are visible as he parts company from Alasty. Paddy Mangan tries to stay on Special Token, red cap© Photo Healy Racing
After a string of consistent efforts Hazariban finally got his reward when the four-year-old won the two and a half mile handicap hurdle at Navan in dominant fashion.
Kevin Sexton was the pilot on Seamus Fahey’s gelding. The pair travelled ominously well just off the pace and came through to the front rank two out before scooting away at the last for a three and a half length success.
“He’s been on the go since last April and has earned a break now,” Seamus Fahey said.
“He’s won and has been placed now both on the flat and over hurdles and he’s proving a bit of a bargain as he cost about 3,500 euro.” Another Flutter belied his odds of 20/1 when racing prominently and grabbing second-placed money under Adrian Heskin.
He beat Florimund (11/2) into third by four and three quarter lengths. Labeille the well-backed 3/1 favourite, weakened rapidly from three out and came home 11th.
There was drama at the fifth hurdle when Peace In The West fell, Special Token was brought down and Alasty unseated Gareth Malone.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
