Brave Troop wins Navan's finale

Brave Troop (18/1 - 12s) got off the mark at the ninth attempt at Navan today, landing the concluding Yellow Furze Handicap (div II) on his first start for trainer Barry Fitzgerald.

Twice placed for John McConnell, the three year old had been gelded since his latest run when third at Tipperary in August and arrived from off the pace to eventually beat Prime Chief by a length and a quarter.

Trainer Fitzgerald said "the change of scenery helped I suppose and Rory (Cleary, winning jockey) said he was run off his feet early, was pulling too hard and then settled him in.

“He was doing enough in front, he just pricked his ears and Rory said he had loads left. We'll find a race quick enough for him while he is fresh and well and he's a nice horse to go forward with. That ground really helped and 1m2f suited.”

He added “we came up early today and got him to the start early with the red hood on. Lorraine does a lot of work with him at home and it is a good team effort to get him where we got him today.

"He has been working well and has been out in the paddock in an unstressed environment as much as we can.”

Quotes from Michael Graham