Sea bags a Grade 2 as Trafford meets his demise

Barry Geraghty doubled his score on this Navan programme, again riding brilliantly to get Tranquil Sea home victorious in the Grade 2 Webster Cup Chase (Realt Dubh a non-runner owing to the change in going). Geraghty had earlier excelled on Table Mountain but the feature of the day was marred by Trafford Lad paying for his efforts with his life (suffered a suspected heart attack) turning into the straight.

Favourite Zaarito looked like he'd deliver going to the final fence but under a vintage ride by Geraghty, Tranquil Sea stuck his neck out in determined fashion, going on to be comfortably a length and three quarters on top at the finish.

Edward O'Grady, trainer of Tranquil Sea, said: "I'm delighted and he might now run at Punchestown but I don't know which race as of yet. I'll discuss it with the owners.

"Barry said he rode him a bit differently today – he understands him.

"I was very disappointed with him at Naas last time but he jumped better today." (MG & EM)