Brave Troop and James Smith lead at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Brave Troop made it two wins from as many starts since joining Charles Byrnes when followed up an easy win at Thurles with another decisive victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle at Navan.
The 13/8 favourite, previously successful four times on the Flat, was again patiently ridden by James Smith and loomed up travelling sweetly to challenge approaching the final flight.
The five-year-old landed in front at the last and was ridden clear to beat Lygon Lad by four lengths. Portnacoo rallied strongly in the closing stages to finish just a head back in third.
Byrnes said, "We're delighted. He settled much better today so he was able to ride him that bit closer and he picked up nicely.
“He jumped better today as well. He's jumping better and settling better and I think that's why he has improved.
“There might be something in Leopardstown for him. He might creep into the bottom of the two-miler there. Two miles on decent ground is important.
“He wouldn't want it any softer. It's dead enough there but he handled it fine.”
Quotes by Gary Carson
