Joshua Webb (far side) with runner-up Grangeclare Native© Photo Healy Racing
Second-season novice Joshua Webb gained a first jumps win at Navan today as the Noel Meade trained gelding narrowly won the Ladbrokes Giving Extra Places Maiden Hurdle under jockey Sean Flanagan and following a stewards' enquiry.
The son of Flemensfirth was a bumper winner at today's corresponding fixture in 2019, when the Fortria Chase was the highlight and the Troytown Chase run traditionally later in November, but subsequently failed to win in five maiden hurdles attempts.
Today Joshua Webb out-battled Grangeclare Native in scoring a head win but did bump runner-up Grangeclare Native with 40 yards to race. Following an enquiry, the stewards left the result stand.
Meade later stated “he was a bit unlucky last year after he won his bumper. He unseated Denis (O'Regan) here one day and had a few little hiccups here and there.
“I'd say he's a nice horse. He'll go on for a novice now and we'll see what way the handicapper rates him.
“He'll come on a bit from the run as he only had one piece of work.
“He made a mistake at the second last which didn't help but he was great at the last which was the one we needed.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
