Thedevilscoachman resumes winning ways© Photo Healy Racing
Thedevilscoachman made it three from four when landing the Dunmoe Rated Novice Hurdle at Navan.
The Elusive Pimpernel gelding stalked the leaders in this extended two mile one race before closing on the inner at the second last.
He was asked to go and win his race after negotiating that flight and hit the front racing to the last.
The 3/1 shot kept on to score by three lengths under Mark Walsh. Visionarian came in second at 6/1. Riviere D'etel the 11/10 favourite, finished out of the places in third after being picked off once touching down two out. She was the sole four-year-old in the field.
Trainer Noel Meade said: “I was a bit disappointed with him at Leopardstown but Mark said he was very green.
“I don’t know where we will go next or what we will do but he’s a nice horse.
“He’s very laidback. He’s only just lobbing along until you want him and then he picks up.
“Mark said he didn’t think he was going anywhere and then he picked up when he asked him.
“I know he stays that (2m2f) but I’d say two miles is probably far enough for him. He’s bred to be quick enough.”
Thedevilscoachman was dropping down from Grade One company after finishing fifth behind Appreciate It in Leopardstown over Christmas.
He has a bumper from Naas and a maiden hurdle at Cork in his locker.
The five-year-old holds an entry in the Grade One Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
