Barry Geraghty's treble at Navan was in serious jeopardy when Slieveardagh veered left after jumping the last but the local pilot was in no mood to be robbed of victory and he got the King's Theatre gelding going again to hold off Regal D'Estruval and Perfect Smile by half a length and a head in thetote.com Novice Chase.

Slieveardagh was market-leader but he was conceding weight all round and he had to be tough to secure victory in this two mile one furlong contest. Victory was his away from the last but he veered left and narrowly avoided going the wrong side of the rails before bravely fending off his two aforementioned rivals.

Geraghty had earlier scored on Table Mountain and Tranquil Sea whilst Edward O'Grady also trained the latter. He of course handles Slieveardagh too.

O'Grady said: "I feel lucky he kept him in at the last. He very nearly went the wrong course.

"He's a very nice horse, he's now had four wins and two seconds as a novice which is quite good in Ireland.

"We might go to Punchestown or we might just let him off.

"He could end up in the May Sales at Doncaster if he's not sold beforehand." (MG & EM)