Rich Revival stays on well to beat Saoirse Dun and company at Navan© Photo Healy Racing
It was coincidental to note that just over two years ago Rich Revival made a winning bumper debut at Down Royal in what were described as very foggy conditions. The nine-year-old again excelled in such weather to remain unbeaten over fences on his second start over the larger obstacles in the featured Foxrock Handicap Chase at Navan.
When the runners emerged from the gloom at the last, three of them had a chance. The Brian O'Connell-ridden Rich Revival toughed it out best to account for Fever Pitch by a head. Saoirse Dun the favourite, was three lengths back in third whilst Tarquinius was a further thirteen lengths behind in fourth.
Barry Murphy, partner of winning trainer, Liz Doyle, said: "It's nice to come up here on a Sunday and get a good pot like that. We thought his opening mark was a bit harsh but Noel O'Brien (the handicapper) obviously got it right.
"He loves that ground and he needs a bit of time between his races. We may look at a better class handicap in February." (AM & EM)
