Impressive Damalisque the highlight of a magnificent McManus-Walsh four-timer

The afternoon belonged to the partnership of owner JP McManus and Mark Walsh as they registered a 551-1 four-timer, achieved with four different trainers.

The highlight was the impressive performance of Damalisque in the feature 2m4f Navan Handicap Hurdle, who travelled well and cantered to the front before the second last.

None of his rivals were able to lay a glove on the Eddie Harty-trained eight-year-old as he won by seven and a half lengths. McManus had more reason to celebrate with both Mon Lino and Campeador coming second and third.

"I was worried about the ground as it’s very testing," Harty said. "He’s entered next week over three miles at Leopardstown and he might sneak in now with a penalty for this.

Sir Bob and Mark Walsh on their way to securing a four-timer for JP McManusCredit: Patrick McCann

"He’s won well there over two and a half and I don’t see why he wouldn’t get three miles. We’ll see how he comes out of this before making a final decision."

The Noel Meade-trained Thedevilscoachman got the McManus ball rolling with a decisive success in the opening 2m½f novice hurdle.

The five-year-old arrived after unsuccessfully dipping his toe into Grade 1 water at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Meade said: "I was a bit disappointed with him at Leopardstown but Mark said he was very green. I don't really know where he'll go next but he has plenty of options open to him.

"He's a very laid back horse but he picks up well, and I would say two miles is probably far enough for him."

The third victory second division of the 2m4f maiden hurdle went to 8-15 favourite Gars De Sceaux, who edged out the less experienced Fair Frontieres.

The four-timer was completed by the Robert Tyner-trained Sir Bob, who returned to form to land the second of the 2m4f handicap hurdles.

'Barbaric decsion'

Gordon Elliott blasted a "barbaric" decision by the stewards not to award his runner Folcano victory in the opening division of the 2m4f maiden hurdle after he had been continually impeded by Brazos.

Brazos, ridden by Kevin Brouder for trainer John Murphy, drifted significantly to his right from the final hurdle, carrying Folcano and Jack Kennedy to the centre of the track.

Brazos prevailed by a nose and a stewards' inquiry was called but it was deemed that the winner had not improved his placing despite causing interference.

"The horse got a bump, he was only beaten a nose. I think the consistency of these stewards' inquiries at the moment is just barbaric," said Elliott.

Defi Bleu, The Big Dog & Lord Royal competing at a fence of the 3m beginners' chaseCredit: Patrick McCann

"It's disappointing for the owners and he will have other days, but I don't know what you have to do to get a race – you nearly have to put a horse out through the rail.

"It's disappointing. I'll talk to the owners, but I don't think we'll appeal."

There was better for Elliott later in the day. After Gars De Sceaux's victory, newcomer Three Stripe Life scooted home in the bumper for Jamie Codd, earning quotes of 16-1 for the Champion Bumper.

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