The Dessie Hughes trained Raz De Maree produced a good staying performance to win the Tote Jackpot Guarantee Maiden Hurdle at Navan today, winning under 5lbs claimer Bryan Cooper.

The son of Shaanmer was under pressure before the straight but responded gamely to eventually wear down his rivals, getting to the front close home to deny Cootamundra

Afterwards Hughes stated “that was a good and tough performance from Raz De Maree. He jumped very poorly at Thurles the last day but likes a galloping track. He’s a small horse but will make a chaser in time as he is from a family of chasers.”

Somewhat worryingly for Irish breeders, is that Raz De Maree's win was providing French bred horses with a clean-sweep of the three races so far at Navan today, from just four runners.

Thomas Weekes