< Arctic defied the burden of top weight with a convincing victory in the Follow Navan On Facebook Handicap at the County Meath circuit.
Third to Gordon Lord Byron on his seasonal return at Cork last month, the grey gelding showed the benefit of that run by scooting home under Mark Hussey.< Footprint had travelled well in behind, and he went in pursuit but had to settle for a two and a half-length second behind the Tracey Collins-trained 4-1 winner, who could now take up his engagement in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot.< King's Warrant was given an enterprising ride by Niall McCullagh to land the Lynn Lodge Stud Maiden from the front.
Ger Lyons' 3-1 chance was sent straight to the head of affairs and had his rivals in trouble two furlongs out.
Red-hot favourite Encrypted Message battled bravely in defeat but came up short by the narrowest of margins on the inside rail.
The opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race turned into a real slog, with Versilia Gal (10-1) grinding out victory close home.
Tennesse Wildcat looked to have done enough when striking the front over a furlong out but it was clear he was starting to tread water and the closers loomed.< Katchy Lady stuck on well near the rail but it was Ben Curtis who emerged in front on the Pat Martin-trained winner, who had half a length to spare at the line.
The Peter O'Brien & Sons Landscaping Claiming Race went to Johnny Murtagh and Top Man Michael (9-4).< Sophies Echo went for home as they came into the straight but Noel Meade's charge came with a strong run inside the distance and battled past for a two-length success.< Statue Of Dreams ridden by Chris Hayes, provided James McCabe with a welcome winner in the Navan Supporters Handicap.
