Asian Master readily lands the odds in Navan opener

Asian Master followed up his maiden hurdle win at Thurles when taking the Race Displays Rated Novice Hurdle at Navan in fine style.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding was sent off the 4/6 favourite against four rivals and travelled well tracking the leader Better Days Ahead

Owned by Marie Costello and ridden by her son Thomas, the son of Shirocco quickened up well when popped a question to lead approaching the final flight where Better Days Ahead made a slight mistake.

That made no difference to the result as Asian Master drew clear on the run-in to beat that rival by ten lengths with Fiveonefive the same distance further back in third.

Thomas Costello said, "I thought my horse travelled very sweet and I could see Jack Kennedy niggling his lad to stay in front.

“I thought he travelled way better than him everywhere and jumped better.

“I fancied him today and thought he'd win to be honest. His work at home was very good, he has a fantastic attitude and takes everything in his stride.

“Jack's horse was the horse to take out of it and I thought he'd beat him.

“We're enjoying everyday we have with him and fingers crossed, if he stays safe and lucky, we'll have another few days out of him.”

Costello (22) is extremely tall for a jockey and added, “I'd like to say I'm 6-4 but I wouldn't like to measure myself at the same time in case I got a fright!”

Quotes by Gary Carson