Panther Claw nd connections Eddie O'Leary, Barry Geraghty and Paul Nolan © Photo Healy Racing
Panther Claw battled back gamely to land the spoils in a stamina sapping novice handicap chase at Navan.
Testing conditions took their toll in the three-mile event with only four completing the course in the end.
The Paul Nolan-trained Panther Claw (6/1) had been prominent throughout and took over in front at the third last.
It was a three-way go approaching the second last as Saoirse Dun and Wise Oscar came through to challenge.
Saoirse Dun edged ahead at the final fence but Barry Geraghty conjured more from Panther Claw on the run-in to get back in front in the closing stages for a length-and-a-quarter success at 6/1.
King Of The Refs kept on for third while 3/1 favourite Wise Oscar finished back in fourth.
The Gigginstown owned winner had been a fine third in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park on his last outing in January and was landing a nice pot here of €32,500.
“Everything went right for him especially the ground. He really handles those conditions,” said Nolan.
“He could sneak into the bottom of the Irish National. He usually comes out of his races well although that was a real dour slog.
“Whatever happens that was a nice pot to win.”
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
