Donc gets off the mark in Navan opener

Dis Donc battled gamely to record a deserved first victory over jumps in the opening maiden hurdle at Navan this afternoon.

Sean Flanagan produced the 4/1 to dispute the lead with Antey over the third last in the two-miler with The Holy One also close up.

Dis Donc gained a narrow lead over Antey jumping the last but his rival proved dogged on the run-in and Noel Meade's charge was all out at the line to secure a neck success.

The Gigginstown-owned winner had finished runner-up on his three previous outings over hurdles.

There was a stewards enquiry called after Dis Donc edged left on the run-in and gave Antey a slight bump. The result stood after the deliberations.

“He looked like he was going to win a minute and then he was lucky to win in the end. He might not like to be in front too long but I think he might like better ground as well. When he won in France it was on fast ground,” said Meade afterwards.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)