Transcendental (No.3) and Robert Whearty© Photo Healy Racing
The Gavin Cromwell-trained Transcendental added to a win at the Curragh last year when getting up close home to land what proved an incident-packed Kilberry Apprentice Handicap at Navan.
There was plenty of drama at the start with Samrogue (50/1) withdrawn after getting upset in the stalls, while Senado Square left the stalls without rider Amy Jo Hayes.
The loose horse ran prominently throughout the five-furlong sprint and, despite drifting left inside the final furlong, didn’t cause too much interference.
Transcendental had plenty to do at the furlong pole but really finished with a flourish on the stand side under Robert Whearty to touch off Loma Larnee close home by half-a-length. Sevensees was a further three-quarters of a length back in third with Artful Approach completing the places in fourth.
Senado Square created some Irish racing history as the 20/1 shot was the first horse to be declared a non-runner under new rules available to the stewards in the event of a horse leaving the stalls riderless.
Cromwell said: "Down in grade and they went good and fast which suited her fine.
"Robbie was good on her, he was nice and patient and when she hit the rising ground she stayed on well.
"I was a little bit concerned that the five might be a bit sharp, but it is a stiff five here and there was loads of pace in it which helped."
Quotes by Michael Graham
