Jamesie returns to winning ways

The David Marnane trained Jamesie returned to winning ways at Navan today when justifying 2/1 favouritism in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Race, under jockey Colm O'Donoghue.

The son of Kodiac's previous win was at Group 3 level (beating globe-trotting Gordon Lord Byron) in August 2014 but had been unsuccessful in eight subsequent races.

Following today's win, Marnane stated "a drop in grade and a bit of confidence is what he needed.

"The Group 3 at the Curragh last time was a strong contest and I was a bit worried about the pace today but it worked out well.

"He's a great horse to have around the yard and has always tried all his life and he's in two handicaps on Champions Weekend and may go for the six furlong handicap at the Curragh."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson