Murtagh arrives late on Cyclone

Cyclone found his feet in the closing stages to grab the spoils at the death in the ten furlong handicap at Navan.

League Of Nations took them along and proved game in front as he tried to hold his challengers at bay.

He had to give way in the closing stages to Connacht Council but that one's lead was short-lived as Johnny Murtagh's mount pounced late.

The eventual winner had been switched out to make progress two furlongs out but still had plenty to do in fifth at the furlong pole.

The Teofilo colt got motoring in the closing stages, however, and Murtagh was pulling him up at the line after just getting his head in front.

The 7/1 shot had been backed from 12/1 on course and was making his handicap debut. He had been well held in three maiden runs including at the Curragh and Dundalk this year.

Murtagh, who is also assistant to winning trainer Tommy Carmody, said:- “He probably appreciated the better ground. He's a big backward horse who is improving.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)