Richie Deegan replaced James O’Sullivan (stood down after an earlier fall) aboard An Droichead Eile in division two of the Rathkenny Handicap Hurdle and he proceeded to take full advantage of the opportunity completing a 41/1 plus double at Navan.

The lightly-raced gelding had shown some promise in two recent handicap outings since joining Sonny Carey this year, and led early in the straight in this 2m4f event.

He was strongly pressed by both Royal Recital and Punters Poet after pecking on landing at the last but was nicely on top in the final 50 yards to score by half-a-length.

Royal Recital took the runner-up spot with Punters Poet a head away in third, while Stilyker was 12 lengths adrift in fourth.

Deegan was on the mark earlier at Navan on 15/2 shot Lady Lingo in the mares’ maiden hurdle, while O’Sullivan has been taken to hospital for xrays on his leg.

Carey said, "He's improving with every run and is still green looking in front there. I'd say we'll go chasing with him fairly soon, he jumps very well and he's a fine big horse. When we have him going now we'll stay going.

“I'm delighted and it's great for his owners who are here today.”

(GC & AM)