Modem strikes in Navan opener Modem landed the spoils in the opener at Navan this afternoon as hotpot The Big Apple failed to shine. Robbie Power produced 12/1 shot Modem to lead before the second last in the two mile Kells Maiden Hurdle after tracking leader Annagh Heaven throughout. The Jessica Harrington-trained gelding galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-half victory. 50/1 newcomer Last Encounter ran a stormer on his debut for Mag Mullins to chase home the winner. The Big Apple, a well supported 8/13 favourite (6/4 in morning), failed to quicken in the straight and could only finish a well held sixth. Modem was making his third start over timber. He had unseated on his debut at Naas before finishing a moderate fifth in a novice event at Gowran Park. “Robbie said they went a hell of a gallop. He was unlucky first time at Naas and then at Gowran it was a bit too heavy for him,” said Harrington. “It was better ground here and we said we'd ride him more positively. He was in front a good way out but he stayed on well. “I'd like to go to Leopardstown if I could as you usually get better ground there. He's a light framed horse and wouldn't get through heavy. He didn't like firm ground on the Flat. He likes a bit of a dig but not heavy. “I'm delighted for the owner Turlough Blessing who is from Castleknock. He's had some bad luck with a few horses so it's great that this one has won.” Argentino, sent off a 4/1 shot for Willie Mullins, was found to be coughing after finishing down the field in 15th. (Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
