The James Nash-trained Alohamora© Photo Healy Racing
James Nash saddled a double in the final two races at Navan this afternoon with Alohamora emulating the narrow win of stablemate My Manekineko by taking the NavanRacecourse.ie Mares Handicap Chase.
My Manekineko (12/1) got up in the final strides under Mike O’Connor to take the Navan Members Veterans Handicap Chase, while Alohamora (10/1) just held on for Jack Foley in the finale.
Both horses were due to be ridden by Gavin Brouder but he was stood down by the doctor on track this afternoon having taken a fall at Clonmel on Thursday.
Alohamora was never too far from the pace and, having held a slight advantage over the last, just held off the challenge of Fiveaftermidnight by a head. Exit To The West was three and three quarter lengths back in third.
Nash said, “It's a great day and they are two stalwarts. I hope she's alright as she's after giving herself a nasty over-reach. She's a great bit of stuff.
“She's improving away all the time and getting stronger, her work has been better this spring than ever for no reason in particular. Maybe she's just getting stronger.
“I knew she'd run very well and that she was in great form. Jack said she was a bit iffy over the first couple of fences but when she warmed up she was fantastic.
“She's qualified for a couple of trial races in Haydock next month, a stayers mares race and a stayers hurdle. That's where she'll go next, they are worth a few quid.”
(GC & AM)
