Heavenly Power strides home© Photo Healy Racing
Eddie Lynam saddled the first three in the betting for the extended five furlong handicap at Navan and it was his Heavenly Power who took the honours.
James Ryan conjured a strong finish from the five-year-old gelding who came through with a winning challenge inside the final furlong.
He hit the front with 100 yards to travel and went on by a length and three-parts at 9/2. The veteran Verhoyen emerged with credit in second at 16/1 and was half a length in front of Lynam's Collective Power (11/2).
Lynam's Jon Riggens was the well punted 7/4 favourite but finished out of the places in fifth.
“He's very good and everyone is cottoning on to him now,” Lynam said of the winning jockey.
“I asked (my daughter) Sarah who has ridden all three of them and she said him. He was only 9/2, how bad does he have to run the last twice for him to be 9/1!
“He deserved it, he has run some good races this year. He was a bit unlucky in the Scurry and was second to Jon Riggens when just nailed one day.
“I'm delighted for Sabena (Power), I don't think I've had a winner for her since February, but she is always nice to me anyway and doesn't give out.”
The trainer won this race last year with Rough Diamond.
The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Edward Lynam, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Heavenly Power, placed first, as compared with its most recent run. Edward Lynam, trainer, stated that a drop in trip and the horse settling better contributed to the apparent improvement in form today. Having considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
