Paul Nolan, fresh from saddling his second Cheltenham winner with Noble Prince, was on the mark at Navan today, winning the Slane Mares Maiden Hurdle with Dibella

Dibella was produced with perfect timing by promising 7lbs claimer Michael Doran to lead at the final flight, before recording a comfortable success over Lisrenny Lady

Afterwards Nolan stated “Dibella is only 15-1hh but her previous trainer Michael Halford told us she was very tough and she certainly is that!”

“Michael (Doran) said she was ok on today’s ground but said she wouldn’t want it any quicker. We’ll find a four year old winners’ race for her next.”

Thomas Weekes