Hareth proves tough in the mud at Navan

Botttom-weight Hareth stuck on best in very testing conditions to land the €50,000 Navan Handicap Hurdle this afternoon.

Charles Byrnes' charge was easy to back for the two-and-a-half mile contest and went to post an 8/1 shot having traded at 5/1 this morning.

Philip Enright settled mid-division on the Jeremy gelding before driving his mount into contention over the third last.

He asserted before the final flight and battled gamely to hold the challenge of Miles To Memphis on the run-in for a half-length success.

The winner was turning around form with Miles To Memphis having been sixth when that rival finished third to Returntovendor (pulled up today) at Punchestown on New Year's Eve.

“We knew he was tough. They went a fierce gallop on the ground and he was nearly first off the bridle. He ran well the last day and came on from the run,” said Byrnes.

“It’s a great pot today and it’s job done now. He’s by Jeremy and they love that ground, and also he’d bottom weight so there were a lot of positives.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)