The Ronnie Bartlett silks have been carried by many a good horse down the years and the Scotsman looks to have another exciting one in Galvin now unbeaten after four starts. Outsider of a four horse field at 5/1, Galvin's latest success came in today's 2019 Navan Membership Rated Novice Hurdle.

He led home a 1-2 for the Gordon Elliott yard, from 9/2 chance Whoshotthesheriff and the pair were split by five lengths at the line. Smoking Gun (5/4 favourite) disappointed, finishing last, whilst Minella Times (3s into 5/2) fared a little better in third.

Galvin's jumping wasn't always without blemish under Davy Russell, but it was only the Gold Well gelding's second start over flights, coming off a 154 day break.

He won two bumpers, and a Perth maiden hurdle, back in July and August.

“He’s a nice horse and he’s improving. We could bring him over to Musselburgh for their Trials day in a few weeks as it would suit Ronnie (Bartlett, owner)," suggested Elliott in the aftermath.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Smoking Gun, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(AM & EM)