Review navan 19th Dec

< Lyreen Legend got back to winning ways with a commanding display in the Christmas Novice Hurdle at Navan.

Dessie Hughes' Naas maiden scorer had to settle for third spot behind Unaccompanied and Sailors Warn in a Listed event in November but enjoyed having his sights lowered a little.

Bryan Cooper had his rivals in trouble from three out on the 11-4 chance and although odds-on favourite Jenari threatened between the last two flights, Lyreen Legend pulled out more to win by four and a half lengths.

A ding-dong battle for the 2012 Navan Membership "The Ideal Christmas Gift" Maiden Hurdle saw Abou Ben (8-1) edge out odds-on market leader Its The Ice I Like

Having only his second start for Andrew Oliver, the gambled-on Abou Ben swept to the front two out, only for the favourite to rally and get his head in front soon after the last.

But the winner showed a tremendous attitude under Paul Carberry and wasn't to be denied a nose success.

A fine leap at the last sealed victory for Bay Of Kotor in the Christmas Greetings Handicap Hurdle.

The Andrew Thornton-ridden 9-4 favourite was defying a 6lb penalty for his Fairyhouse win on Saturday and ultimately had five and a half lengths in hand over Lilywhitedancer

The Slane Maiden Hurdle went to Benefficient trained by Tony Martin and ridden by Ruby Walsh.

The 7-2 shot unseated Walsh on his jumping bow last month but jumped fluently at the head of affairs this time and made all to beat Knockgraffon King by eight lengths.< Strange Encounter (11-2) struck for Philip Fenton and Brian O'Connell in the 2012 Membership "The Ideal Xmas Present" Handicap Hurdle, while The Paparrazi Kid was impressive for Willie and Patrick Mullins in the Athlumney INH Flat Race.

The rearranged 'Prancer And Dancer' Handicap Chase went to Last Time D'Albain (5-1).