It has been a long time between drinks for Battleroftheboyne but the drought ended in Navan with victory in the five furlong handicap.

Mick Mulvany's six-year-old gelding was last successful in August 2012 at the Curragh when rated 87. Today, some 31 races later, he competed off 61.

He raced in mid-division, but not far off the pace, as Little Sweetheart led the way. Gary Carroll switched him left a furlong and a half out when fifth and the 11/1 shot began to come home well.

He collared Little Sweetheart 100 yards out and was ridden out to score by a length and a quarter. Three Bells (16/1) got up on the line to deprive Little Sweetheart (14/1) of second by a head. In a bunch finish for the places, Bainne was a nose behind in fourth at 14/1.

"That's my first winner at Navan and I've never had much luck here in the past. I was afraid of the ground more than anything but he handles nearly all surfaces. He deserved it," Mick Mulvany said.

Mulvany trains nearby in Oristown, Kells, Co Meath.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee