Rawnaq, right, moves ahead of Leah Claire at Navan© Photo Healy Racing
Rawnaq (7/4f) got the better of Leah Claire after a battle in the final furlong of the mile and five furlong apprentice handicap at Navan.
Leah Claire (5/1) and Shane Kelly had come through from two furlongs out and forged on for home, but Rawnaq came up on her outside under Conor Hoban and pulled ahead inside the last 100 yards for a half length success.
There was a sustained gamble on Rawnaq all day. He opened at 5/1 this morning before contracting to 3/1. At the track an opening show of 11/4 was hammered down to 7/4 on the off.
The front two pulled clear as they fought out the spoils. Tiger At Heart (9/2) kept on for third with Ronan Whelan in the plate. He was beaten six lengths by the winner.
Restricted trainer Matthew Smith said: “He’s a real battler and I’m delighted for the horse. He’s been knocking on the door. He’ll go back over hurdles at Bellewstown.”
This dual-purpose horse had won over hurdles at Punchestown at the end of May and Smith confirmed that he would continue to mix his racing.
Conor Hoban came off the cold list as it was his first winner in 40 rides.
