The Rory Story stayed on stoutly to make a winning debut for Noel Meade and Nina Carberry in the concluding bumper at Navan today. Agent Boru who had pulled himself into the lead at halfway, looked to have his rivals on the stretch two furlongs from home in the two-miler as he travelled well up front.

The Rory Story, who was ridden in fourth passing the two pole, found his stride inside the final furlong, however, and collared Agent Boru, who couldn't pick up when asked.

The Flemensfirth gelding, sent off the 6/4 favourite, kept on well in the closing stages to record a two-and-a-quarter length victory.

"Even though he was favourite I thought he might need the run as we have not done that much with him. He had a little problem with a hind joint last year,” revealed Meade.

"Nina thinks he's a good horse, and he's bred to be as he has a good pedigree.

"He was green and will probably not run again for a while. He'll go over hurdles and jumps well."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)