< Jack The Bus capped a memorable day for owner Seamus Murphy and trainer Peter Casey with success in the Ladbrokes.com Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan.
Having had his colours carried to glory in the Becher Chase at Aintree by Hello Bud, Murphy's special double was completed as Jack The Bus (9-1) outpointed Glenquest in a hard-fought finish. Both Hello Bud and Jack The Bus were bred by Casey.
Alan Crowe brought the 10-year-old gelding on to the scene at the second-last but the always-prominent Glenquest made him fight every inch of the way.
There was little between them over the last two fences but Jack The Bus proved the stronger to win by three-quarters of a length, with Lochan Lacha third and Siegemaster fourth.
"Jack The Bus ran well in the Cork National the last day and was entitled to have a big chance here," said County Meath-based Casey.
"He made one bad mistake but it had little effect on him. He wants really heavy ground and I'll have to enter him for the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas."< Fully Funded (6-1) was a gutsy all-the-way winner of the Friends of Navan 'Monksfield' Novice Hurdle.
Noel Meade's five-year-old looked like having to settle for second when Ballyburke ranged alongside two out, but Fully Funded found extra for Davy Condon to win by four and a half lengths from Gift Of Dgab who made good late progress to snatch second place.
"He ran a good race on his first run for us but, like a lot of French breds, then went back and disappointed before then winning at Wexford," said Meade.
"I fancied him today and told the lads (More The Merrier Syndicate) that he'd win. He may come back for the Grade One Navan Novice Hurdle here next - he can improve from this win."< Catcherinscratcher (100-30) got the better of Cnoc Seoda to open her account in the ITBA Fillies Scheme EBF (Pro/Am) Mares INH Flat Race in determined fashion by five and a half lengths.
