Barrow gives Hughes first Flat winner

Sports Barrow benefitted from a well judged ride from Declan McDonogh to land the 1m6f handicap at Navan this afternoon.

Sandra Hughes' charge tracked the leader Mrs Conn before hitting the front with over three furlongs to run and McDonogh soon poached a few lengths. Creeping Ivy and Tap Focus gave chase inside the final furlong but despite tiring slightly Sports Barrow had enough up his sleeve to record a length-and-a-half success at 16/1.

Tap Focus edged a tight battle for the runner-up spot by a neck.

The winner had taken a maiden hurdle at Punchestown last October and was opening his account on the level today.

"That's my first flat winner. This horse is very ground dependent, the galloping track really suited him as well as the mile and six (furlongs). Everything was right for him today, and he did it well,” said Hughes.

"He has been a bit disappointing over hurdles but he hasn't had his ground. He's in the sales at Doncaster so I'm not sure about future plans."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)