Jukebox Jive (inside) just leads King Alex away from the last© Photo Healy Racing
Jukebox Jive came home thirteen lengths to the good in the most valuable race on the programme at Navan this afternoon, the Grade B BetVictor Gamble Responsibly Tara Handicap Hurdle.
Previously trained in the UK, the son of Jukebox Jury won the November Handicap on his debut for Gavin Cromwell at Naas last year.
Ultimately disappointing since, he was last seen finishing fifth behind Rebel Waltz at Cork last month.
Sent off an 11/1 chance this afternoon, the six-year-old gelding was settled in mid-division by Conor McNamara.
Briefly pushed along from four out, he came with his challenge after the next and led narrowly at the last, keeping on strongly when ridden on the run-in, scoring in the colours of the Five Lamps Racing Syndicate. King Alex who was returned the 10/3 favourite, finished a gallant second under Mark Bolger for Barry Connell, while Gordon Elliott's Tintangle (40/1) ran her best race for a while, another six and a half lengths back in third.
Cromwell's assistant Feidhlim Cunningham said in the aftermath: "That was a great win. He loves that ground, he won a November Handicap on bottomless ground.
"He's just not straight-forward. We targeted this race and the ground came up ideal.
"Everything went to plan and Conor gave him a grand, he had plenty in hand at the end.
"It's a great pot, Alfa Mix won it last year so it's been a good race for us.
"We've no immediate plan for him. He wants bottomless ground and we'll find something again on similar going."
STEWARDS REPORT
P. Townend, rider of Good Man Jim (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
