Stocktons Wing, near side, wins from Sure Reef at Navan © Photo Healy Racing
Stocktons Wing landed a gamble (7/2 to 7/4) in Navan’s concluding one mile handicap for JP McManus, Charles O’Brien and Fran Berry.
It was another top-weight victory on the heavy ground, but he only narrowly beat Mick Halford’s Sure Reef by a short head after a sustained battle in the final half furlong.
Charles O’Brien was relieved afterwards. He said: “I’m happy enough he won. That’s sort of his grade though he handled that ground better than I thought he would.”
Sixteen runners went to post. 28/1 shot California Rose took a step up in form from five duck eggs to come home third three lengths away, a neck ahead of Ancelotti who completed the placings in fourth at 6/1.
Michael Graham
