The Ruby Walsh partnered Labaik continued the good run of trainer Gordon Elliott when maintaining his two race unbeaten hurdles record in the Grade 3 For Auction Novice Hurdle at Navan today.

The French bred son of Montmartre was under pressure behind pace-setters Le Martalin and Wakea from the fourth last flight and while he looked beaten in fourth place jumping the second last (match at 50 in-running), he responded gamely under Walsh to forge past stablemate Mick Jazz close home, for a length and three parts win.

Labaik has taken the road less travelled for a Grade 3 winning novice hurdler, having failed to leave the starting stalls at Laytown in September and also previously failed to win in his native France and when also trained in England.

Following today’s win, Elliott later said “he’s a grand horse but is a bit of a monkey.

“Ruby said across the top he thought he was half not going anywhere but he pulled him out at the back of the second last and picked up and flew.

“Looking at that I’d say he’ll get further and he’s in the Royal Bond Hurdle.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson