Speedacus © Photo Healy Racing
The Navan Adventure Centre Handicap was won by 8/1 chance Speedacus under Declan McDonogh.
The Slade Power gelding, fitted with blinkers for the first time, was quick out of the traps and raced in the front rank throughout. He edged clear of eventual third Fine Distraction approaching the fianl furlong and was ridden out to beat Curraheen Princess by a length and a quarter.
The winner's only previous victory had come over course and distance in a premier nursery last September.
Winning trainer Kieran Cotter said: "I told the lads 'when a horse is twice the price he should be, you should double the bet!'
"He has been running in very good company and he is here in a 75 handicap. His form here is tremendous, he just loves the place. He doesn't take to some tracks.
"A no-nonsense ride. We put blinkers on him during the week and he just flew, we said 'wow!'. He has loads of speed. He won solidly down in class and at his favourite track.
"You'd like to think there is a good pot in him. He won a premier nursery here and a right good pot. We'll see what's there.
"He's not an over-big horse but he has got piles of speed."
Quotes from Michael Graham
