O'Grady wins with just second runner of 2016

The Edward O'Grady trained All Souls made a winning Irish debut at Navan today, taking the opening Racing 13th March Maiden Hurdle on jumps debut for jockey Andrew Lynch.

The son of Sea The Stars' sire Cape Cross moved to the front on the approach to the final flight and in the end comfortably beat Calin Des Ongrais

All Souls was last seen when winning on the flat at Fontainebleau last September and following today's win O'Grady reported “they've (Gaticoma Syndicate)) been a lucky syndicate and had Rigour Back Bob who won seven races for them. This is the replacement for him and hopefully he can be as lucky and win as many races down the line.

“I knew he was a good jumper but also knew he'd like better ground. I was concerned with the ground that he might not get home. I think he's a nice horse in the making.

“That's the first runner I've had since January 2nd and that's never happened me in my career. There has been no reason but the weather. I just haven't had the horses to run on the ground.”

Cheltenham legend O'Grady was also sending out just his seventh runner in the past 90 days.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson