Vigil was all the rage for the Come Racing On The Active Retirement Raceday 19th October Maiden at Navan but was unable to match recent Listowel winner She’s A Star.

Vigil, far from disgraced twice at the Cheltenham Festival, was bidding to add to his two bumper wins and a maiden hurdle at Naas earlier this year and was sent off the red-hot favourite for this two-mile event.

Early tissue prices of 5/4 were quickly snapped up, and a first show of 4/7 on track was shortened into 4/9 by the off.

All appeared to be going to plan as Pat Smullen’s mount travelled ominously well over two furlongs out but he couldn’t match the winner from over a furlong out.

The Noel Meade-trained filly, winner of a bumper at Down Royal and also successful on testing ground over hurdles at Listowel, handled the much better ground well here.

The 7/1 (from 12/1 this morning) chance kept on under pressure for Colin Keane to score by three quarters of a length, with Constancio a further three and three quarter lengths away in third.

Meade said, “To be honest I didn't know what to expect as we don't do a lot with her at home as she's very buzzy.

“I loved her last year and went and bought her full-brother. She's not very big, 15'1, but she's tough. I'd say she'd win on the Flat again.

“The last thing I said to Colin going out that if she was going well don't hit the front too soon but she just got there a bit too quick.

“She's been great fun for the owners. Philip Meade, of Meade Potatoes, heads up the syndicate. She'll probably go back jumping now.”

(GC & AM)