Vera Verto justified good support in division one of the Race Displays Maiden Hurdle at Navan when getting up close home under Luke Dempsey.

The Prince Of Lir filly won a Gowran maiden for Jack Davison last spring and had shown plenty of promise in three maiden hurdle starts since joining Gavin Cromwell. Douglas Dc struck the front just before the final flight but was immediately challenged by Vera Verto, and the evens favourite proved just the stronger in the final strides to score by a neck.

The pair drew clear on the run-in from Only Sky who finished 12 lengths back in third.

Cromwell said, "She deserved that and it's nice to get her head in front, in fairness she battled well,” said Cromwell.

“It looked like she was in trouble a few times, she didn't travel that well. I don't think she was in love with that ground, it's gluey there.

“I'd say on looser ground or better ground she'll be okay. We'll maybe look for a rated race now.”

Looking ahead to Cheltenham he added, “They're great and I'm happy with them. All is good so far. I'd say I'll have five or six going over. We'll try and keep the wheels on the wagon now.”

Kevin Sexton was stood down for the remainder of the day after a fall two out from Noble Seal

(GC & AM)