Eleven year old Rolly Baby has missed has many racing years as he has competed in but the Willie Mullins trained gelding landed the Follow Navan On Facebook Beginners Chase at Navan today, on just his eighth career start.

The son of Funny Baby began his career in 2010 but, through injury, missed 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Following today's win, under Ruby Walsh, Champion Trainer Mullins reported “patience has paid off with him. He's had his training problems but he's always shown a little bit.

“We'll stick at that trip, he jumps well and I'll try and find a winners race for him. He might mix it over hurdles as well but it's a case of whatever we can get at this stage of his career.

“He just got a bit tired going to the last and I still think there is a bit of improvement in him.”

Today was Rolly Baby's, which overcame a mistake at the final fence, third career win.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson