She's Got Grit (far side) clears the last fence with Orpheus Valley© Photo Healy Racing
She's Got Grit prevailed after a great duel with Orpheus Valley in the Foxrock Handicap Chase at Navan.
Orpheus Valley had led at the fifth last where there was drama as he jumped into rival Sole Witness who then hit the deck.
She's Got Grit, a well backed 11/4 favourite (from 10/3), launched her challenge three from home.
Adrian Heskin gained the advantage on his mount after the second last but Orpheus Valley rallied from the final fence and pushed the winner to the line, going down by half a length.
The Terence O'Brien-trained mare was recording back-to-back successes having scored at Fairyhouse early last month.
There was a prize of €19,500 to the winner and O'Brien said:-
“It was a great pot. Off her mark she was always going to be carrying bottom weight. It was great to get black-type for her and that was probably going to be her best opportunity to get it.
“She's been a fantastic mare over fences. This time last year she was still a maiden and she's really gone from strength to strength.
“She's a very genuine mare and has a lovely attitude. She's also a big scopey mare.”
Jody McGarvey, rider of the runner-up, was given a three-day ban for using his whip with excessive frequency.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
