Bilbo Bagins (nearest) jumps the last with Effernock Lad (centre) and Presenting Mahler (far-side)© Photo Healy Racing
Bilbo Bagins stayed on best on the run-in to land the spoils in the Toals.com Handicap Chase at Navan this afternoon.
Three jumped the last together in the two-mile-one contest with Presenting Mahler on the far side of Effernock Lad as Bilbo Bagins came with his challenge on the stand's side.
Sean Flanagan got a good tune from the Adrian Murray trained gelding on the run-in as he went on to secure a two-and-a-quarter length win at odds of 7/1.
Effernock Lad took the runner-up spot, a neck ahead of Presenting Mahler.
Flanagan said afterwards:- “David (Mullins) fell right in front of me at the ditch away from the stands and brought me to a standstill. Then the loose horse got in my way a bit. I was on the back-foot but he travelled well into the race.
“He’s gone and done it well. He won a hurdle race here the same kind of way and that’s the way he is. He challenges late but he’s a grand type and jumps well.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
