Shimmy Jimmy made it third time lucky when edging a good battle with 100/1 shot Rion Rubette in the opener at Navan this afternoon.

The Donnacha O'Brien-trained went to post 9/4 favourite in the auction series maiden over the extended five furlongs having been runner-up on his second start, at Listowel early last month.

Gavin Ryan produced the Jimmy Two Times colt to lead a furlong-and-a-half from home but he was joined passing the furlong marker by newcomer Rion Rubette.

The pair settled down to fight it out with Shimmy Jimmy gaining the advantage in the closing stages to post a half-length success.

Ryan said afterwards:- "It did of course (experience told) - he's a tough, honest type of horse. They went a real good gallop the last day down in Listowel and the winner had a little bit more experience and it probably showed on a tight turning track like Listowel.

"Back here today, we fancied him big time.

"They went a good gallop in front of me, gave me something to aim at and, once the gap came and I gave him a kick in the belly, he saw it out well to the line. He's tough and honest.

"He would of course (go an extra furlong) and he's a very genuine and hugely-versatile horse. He'll go on any ground and he can go up in trip or even come back."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)