Wicklow Lad toughs it out

Many of the progeny of Silver Patriarch seem to go particularly well in testing ground and Wicklow Lad emphasised that point for the Francis Flood stable in the Leinster Handicap Chase at Navan.

Keith Donoghue's mount stayed on well at the business end to account for Askmeroe and the well-backed Kimberlite King by six lengths and a length.

Fran Flood, son of the winning trainer, said: "He got a hell of a raise for winning in Thurles (a few runs back). I thought what he got was nuts but the handicapper just said to me there now - wasn't I right!

"I thought that might have been enough to stop him from winning again.

"I always say to the young fella (Keith Donoghue) not to hit him as he doesn't like it.

"He is getting better with his jumping even if he's a bit careful; he is taking them on a bit more. We'll look for something similar now."