Nazine and Barry Browne© Photo Healy Racing
Division one of the Boyne Valley Maiden Hurdle at Navan saw Nazine return to Proudstown Park after a promising debut third placing here just over a fortnight back. He went a couple of places better in style for owner/trainer Michael McDonagh and jockey Barry Browne.
As the 5/2 market-leader the successful Raven’s Pass gelding was strong in the market to beat thirteen rivals, and he was never far away.
In front before the fourth last the promising Shadwell-bred youngster (not fluent three out) was pushed along after two out, soon asserting and keeping on well up the run-in to see off Toughari by five and a half lengths.
On debut Run For Pat ran well for third, a length and a half back.
“He did that well and I still think there is plenty of improvement to come. He was green enough in front,” said Browne.
“He’s a nice type of horse. Ideally he probably wants to take a lead but he has a good stride and I didn’t want to be taking him back. It worked out well in the end.
“I’d say he appreciated the better ground and he’ll be a grand horse for the summer.”
At the request of the Stewards, D.F. O'Regan, rider of Run For Pat, trained by Mrs Denise Foster, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was green, missed the last two hurdles and stayed on.
(AM & EM)
