Three Stars, far side, jumps the last in front of Thomas Hobson© Photo Healy Racing
Three Stars served up a 12/1 surprise in the five runner Grade Three novice hurdle at Navan. Thomas Hobson (3/1) and Ruby Walsh appeared to be travelling nicely as they took a narrow lead at the third last.
However, Three Stars and Johnny Burke started to get motoring on their inside and came through to lead at the second last hurdle.
A good jump at the last sealed victory as he increased the gap on Thomas Hobson who was less than fluent there. The winning margin back to Thomas Hobson was two and a quarter lengths. Tycoon Prince the 4/6 favourite, couldn't go with the front pair and finished third. He was beaten six and three quarter lengths by the winner.
Successful trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "I thought that he would struggle on the ground. We said that we would hold onto him a bit more today and he stayed at it well. He's obviously a nice horse.
"The plan was to give a break after this until the spring. He could still do that or we may just back off him a little bit and then go to Leopardstown at Christmas."
Betfair quote Three Stars at 33/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle. They also eased Tycoon Prince to the same price from 25/1 and pushed Thomas Hobson out to 50/1 from 33/1.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
