Donnas Palm gutsy winner of Flyingbolt

Report: Navan, Sunday

Flyingbolt Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m1f, 5yo+

DONNAS PALM, a Grade 2 winner when hurdling, continued his progress over fences with a battling success for Davy Condon, getting the better of Foildubh in the run to the line.

Favourite for the race was Nearest The Pin, but Tony Martin's charge proveda disappointment, never landing a blow for Ruby Walsh.

The field was reduced to six before the start as Far Away So Close, who had galloped away with Davy Russell, was withdrawn.

It was the other Gigginstown Stud-owned runner, Westmeath, who made the running with Foildubh on the inner and Donnas Palm also prominent.

There was little change to the running order with Walsh sitting in fifth on Nearest The Pin, several lengths behind Westmeath. Rounding the final turn the jockey attempted to get closer but his effort was short lived.

At three out Foildubh started to make his challenge against Westmeath and the pair jumped two out together. However, once Westmeath had given way, the dogged Donnas Palm dug deep for Condon to prevail by a head.

The Cheltenham Festival is not on the winners agenda as trainer Noel Meade said: "In fairness to the horse he has been keeping good company over fences and I was very surprised at his price today.

He is probably not a Grade 1 horse and won't go to Cheltenham but maybe the Powers Gold Cup or a lesser race could be on the agenda. He is a bit of a character but he is five from five at Navan."