Tapering delivered a powerful challenge in the final furlong to cut down Park Rebel and readily win the mile and two claimer that opened Navan's card.

Ronan Whelan 's mount raced in rear of the eight-runner field before being switched out into sixth with two and a half furlongs to race.

Whelan got after him with over a furlong to race and the grey colt really hit his straps in the final furlong as he thundered home down the outside to pick off Park Rebel and win going away by two and a quarter lengths.

Ronan Whelan said: "He was racing too keen and Adrian Taylor, who rides him out, told me to drop him in and get him switched off. He settled much better today, and saw out the trip well. He's a better grade than that."

Jim Bolger 's horse was returned at 11/4 having been backed from 7/1 to 4/1 throughout the day. A pair of 7/1 shots - Park Rebel and Azamesse - completed the placings in second and third respectively.

This was Tapering's third start, having finished eighth and fourth in maidens at the Curragh and Down Royal. He sported a hood for the first time today.

There were no claims in this race.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee