Balmont Mast and Robbie Downey race towards the line in Navan© Photo Healy Racing
The dogs were barking about Balmont Mast this morning and the seven-year-old gelding didn't disappoint his backers as he bagged Navan's six furlong handicap.
The money arrived early this morning as his price tumbled from 7/1 to 7/2 before being returned at 4/1.
Robbie Downey had him away smartly from the gate and the pair raced prominently as Your Pal Tal in the centre, and Kiss The Stars on the rail, headed up proceedings.
As the field came past the three pole it was evident that those on the far rail (drawn low) held the advantage. Balmont Mast was upsides Kiss The Stars and was soon ridden to lead by Downey. Oor Jock began to unleash his challenge with a furlong and a half to negotiate. However, Balmont Mast didn't drop the pace on the uphill finish and closed out the race by two lengths. Oor Jock was second at 13/2 with Kiss The Stars (9/1) in third.
Eddie Lynam said: "He works very well at home. Obviously he's getting older but he has taken us half-way across the world. He was placed in a Group 1 in Dubai and was fourth in Singapore.
"He's not the horse he was but Robbie was riding him work and he was flying for him at home. We let him have a go on him today and it all worked out well. He's a real good 5lb claimer.
"He's won half a million in prize-money and is loved at home. He's had his hardships and was very sick last year. He was bred just down the road in Tara and is a real favourite."
This gave trainer Lynam a quick-fire double at the Co Meath track, having saddled Miss Elizabeth in the first race.
The first three home in this sprint handicap were drawn 2, 3 and 1 respectively.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
