It was a bitter sweet victory for Johnny Murtagh as Buccaneer Bob pounced late to land the AES Handicap at Navan.

The Ger Lyons-trained gelding ran a touch green in the ten furlong contest, only getting going inside the final furlong.

The Big Bad Bob gelding powered home in great style, however, getting up late on for what was eventually a cosy neck success over Spirit Of Cuba

Murtagh was unshipped from his mount as the pair pulled up with the winner jinking right as he eased up. There was no harm done as the former champion was soon back on his feet.

"He's a typical Big Bad Bob," said Lyons of the winner.

"The race didn't go to plan and he's still very green. I won this twice in the past with Fiery Lad and Ghetto Gospel and if he's half as good as either of them he'll do grand."

Favourite Late Debate was kept in by Flavia Tatiana from the two furlong pole and had no more to offer after being hampered a furlong-and-a-half out.

Joesph O'Brien received a two-day ban for careless riding.