Thistle gifted victory by Mad Brian exit Irish Thistle was gifted victory in the beginners chase at Navan after odds-on favourite Mad Brian partnered company with Keith Donoghue at the final fence. Mad Brian, sent off a 4/5 shot, made the running in the two-and-a-half mile contest and had the race at his mercy after seeing off nearest pursuer Irish Thistle at the second last. The favourite had a five-length advantage going to the last but put down when asked for a effort and Donoghue was ejected after a mistake. The Davy Russell-ridden Irish Thistle was left to come home a 12-length winner from Seskinane. “You need a bit of luck now and again!” said winning trainer Harry Rogers. “He'll probably go back to two miles as he got a bit tired there.” Russell added: “Keith's horse just quickened up better in the straight and I was plugging away until he had an unfortunate mishap at the last. It's great to win.” (Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
