Mine Now (David Mullins) draws clear of Lion Na Bearnai on the run-in© Photo Healy Racing
David Mullins has been touted by many as a young rider to follow, and he again looked the part as Mine Now gained reward for his consistency in the Garlow Cross Handicap Hurdle at Navan.
He oozed confidence when producing the seven-year-old gelding to lead at the final flight in this two and a half miles event, and the 3/1 joint favourite quickly settled the issue.
Peter Fahey 's charge drew right away on the run-in to beat fellow market leader Lion Na Bearnai by nearly five lengths. Flemenstorm freely available at 20/1 this morning and sent off an 8/1 chance, rewarded each-way backers when just a neck further back in third.
Fahey said, "He deserves it more than anything. He's been running great and in some good handicaps like at Leopardstown.
"We were delighted with his last run and David gave him a great ride today.
"He won a point-to-point for Aidan Fitzgerald and he sent the owner on to me so I have to thank him.
"He'll stay tipping away in handicaps and I think he's qualified for the three-mile novice handicap at Fairyhouse.
"That's a step up in trip but it looked today like that would be no bother."
(GC & AM)