De Benno and Trevor Ryan © Photo Healy Racing
De Benno made all to run out a comprehensive winner of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Navan.
James Grace 's charge was sent off 3/1 joint favourite as he switched back to hurdles off a 28lb lower mark.
Trevor Ryan gave his mount a positive ride and had his rivals at work jumping the second last flight in the two-miler.
Despite a slightly untidy leap at the last De Benno galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a five-length victory. Fruits Of Glory stuck on for second despite some sloppy jumping over the final three flights. The other 3/1 joint-favourite, Wings Of Arion, weakened before the last to finish sixth.
“I said during the week with the form he was in over fences and the weight he had that he was a certainty and he’s done it really well,” said Grace.
“He pings hurdles and doesn’t jump them big like he does fences.
“There is a Grade B (Shamrock) Handicap Chase over 2m2f at Gowran in three weeks’ time and that’s where he’ll head for.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
