The Irish Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Navan today turned into a real test of stamina with market principals Maller Tree and Beef To The Heels fighting out a ‘ding-dong’ battle, before the first named went on to win under jockey Robbie Power.

Beef To The Heels, under Davy Russell, led Maller Tree into the straight, clear of the remainder. To Maller Tree’s credit, he responded well to a strong drive from Power eventually getting on top on the run-in for a length and a quarter win.

Winning trainer Jessica Harrington was absent but Power did later say “Maller Tree hated that ground and is a good ground horse. Yesterday I thought he’d win but I was a bit worried coming here today but he did it well and will improve for better ground.”