Rawnaq and Andrew Lynch in control at Navan© Photo Healy Racing
Nicely-backed Rawnaq had a bloodless victory in the Kells Beginners Chase at Navan. Benemeade the 6/5 favourite, appeared to take a false step and crashed out when leading and this allowed Rawnaq to come through to get on terms and lead on his own at the sixth last. He galloped on and was well clear approaching the home straight and the final three fences.
Andrew Lynch could afford a long round over his shoulder on the run to the final fence and he must have had to peer hard to see Manor Court well behind. The winning margin was recorded at 20 lengths for the Matthew Smith-trained seven-year-old.
"He schooled well over fences but you never know until they run in a race. He was a bit fortunate with the two main dangers in the betting both failing to get around," Matthew Smith said.
"Andrew said he jumped brilliant and it's great to get that out of the way. He could go for the Cesarewitch in a few weeks time."
The winner was backed on opening show of 10/3 down to 11/4 on the off. Meanwhile, the runner-up was available at 20/1 having been as big as 40/1 before racing commenced at Navan. It was another 28 lengths back to King’s Wharf in third at 50/1.
Of the eight that went to post, only four completed. Benemeade unseated Paul Carberry while Croker Island and Jarob fell and Seven Acres was brought down.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
