Cap York defied a long absence to run out a game winner of the John Lynch Carpets Maiden Hurdle at Navan.

The Noel Meade-trained Gigginstown gelding had last been sighted when sixth on his Irish debut at Leopardstown in December 2016.

He was produced fit and ready on his return, however, as he dug deep to land the spoils in the two-mile-seven contest.

Davy Russell produced the Ballingarry gelding, a winner on the Flat in France, to dispute after the third last flight.

He fought it out with Captain Cj going to the last with that rival gaining a narrow advantage on the run-in after the pair were both slightly untidy at the final flight.

Cap York showed a great attitude in the closing stages to get his head in front close home for a length-and-a-quarter success.

Meade said:- “Davy gave him a great ride. He had a bit of leg trouble and missed a year.

“He didn’t jump particularly well, he jumped pretty awful really and left his hind legs in everything.

“He just keeps galloping and I’d say the softer the ground and the longer the trip the more he would like it.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)