Battle proves easy victor in opener

Battleoverdoyen maintained his unbeaten record with an impressive performance on his hurdling debut in the opener at Navan this afternoon.

Jack Kennedy tracked the leaders on the 8/15 shot before letting him jump into lead down the back straight.

The five-year-old skipped clear before the second last in the two-mile maiden hurdle and powered away in the closing stages for an commanding 13 length success.

The Gordon Elliott-trained, Gigginstown owned gelding, was following up on a bumper win at Punchestown 18 days ago.

He had been purchased for £235,000 following a point-to-point win in April 2017.

“We think he’s a nice horse. He improved a lot from his run the last day in the bumper and he’ll improve again for his first run over hurdles,” said Elliott.

“He jumped very well and a step up in trip the next day will suit him. He stays very well. He’ll probably go to Naas next (for the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle, Grade 1 on January 6th) all being well.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)