The front three in the market took gold, silver and bronze in the opener at Navan as Colfer Kay (6/4) landed the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. Mickey The Steel (9/2 into 5/2) was well-backed to beat the form choice, but he had to yield by half a length, with promising newcomer Hala Joud (a 6/1 shot here after her barrier trial success) three parts of a length behind in third.

Back in action quickly after a Naas third placing on Sunday, Colfer Kay was again ridden by Niall McCullagh, and she’s trained by Ken Condon for owner/breeder Vincent Kelly.

“She deserved that for consistency,” said McCullagh.

“I really fancied her in Naas, and I was a bit disappointed, but I think we were beaten by two nice types.

“It's nice to make amends today. She's been consistent so she got her just rewards.

“She stuck at it well and yet she has the pace to go back to five on soft ground so she's quite versatile. She's a handy little thing and tries.

“She was able to boss it today and I could do my own thing. I came up on the outside, which you can do here at Navan on soft ground.

“It's tough going out there but they are getting through the ground.”

(GC & EM)