Paul Carberry was seen to great effect when partnering both chase winners at Navan on Saturday aboard Young Whack and O So Blue.
Young Whack justified favouritism on his debut over fences in the Navan Racecourse Racing To Please You Beginners Chase. The Phardante gelding and main market rival Annaghmore Gale disputed the lead until the latter blundered two out, leaving Carberry's mount to come home 12 lengths clear.
'He has been schooling brilliantly but took a few chances today', said trainer Noel Meade, who also thought the distance (two miles and a furlong) might be too sharp.
O So Blue completed the double when overcoming a nine month lay-off in the following Senator Novice Handicap Chase. The Tom Taaffe-trained gelding made virtually all under a typically dashing ride to beat Fier Goumier by five lengths. 'He stays well, and I knew he was fairly straight as he's been working well. He's a summer horse, and his campaign will be geared towards Galway', said Taaffe afterwards.
Jessica Harrington and Barry Geraghty were also in double form when teaming up to score with Ilaron and Courageous. Ilaron drifted out to evens in the Navan Great Day Out Maiden Hurdle (Division 2) but belied the lack of confidence to record a comfortable win. The five-year-old travelled strongly in front, and kept on well to beat Greco by seven lengths. 'He handled the firm ground well, and will have a break before going chasing in the autumn', said Harrington.
Courageous made smooth progress to lead after two out in the Family Day Novice Hurdle but needed to be driven out by Geraghty in the closing stages to prevail by a neck from long-time leader Quadco. 'He pricked his ears at the last, and doesn't like being in front that long', said Harrington. The Generous gelding has already scored on the Flat this year, and will revert to the level at Guineas weekend on the Curragh.
