Le Vent d'Antan (Barry Geraghty) on his way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
The Navan Shamrock Festival Maiden Hurdle looked a good opportunity for Le Vent d’Antan to open his account over hurdles and the 2/5 favourite duly obliged.
Completing a double on the afternoon for trainer Liz Doyle following the success of Glen Beg in the previous handicap hurdle, Barry Geraghty’s mount had things well under control when making his only mistake at the final flight.
It made no difference as Geraghty could afford to look all around for non-existent dangers on the run-in to record a facile nine lengths verdict over Painted Lady
Circe’s Island completed the placings just a head back in third.
The winner has always been held in high regard by Ms Doyle but has been difficult to train this season due to a problem with ulcers.
Doyle said, “Barry said he’s a good horse and he should know. It looks like he’ll be a stayer, and he’ll run in a novice at one of the Festivals.
“He’ll go chasing next season and jumps very well. It was a real nightmare in the autumn treating him for ulcers, and a summer’s grass will do him the power of good. The trip today also made a difference.”
