< Ad Idem clung on to claim victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Navan.

The well supported 2-1 chance had chased home the smart Flat Out on his latest appearance at Punchestown and was always travelling kindly for Andrew McNamara.

Favourite Ballymak tried to raise his game after the final fence but Ad Idem already had the race in safe keeping, passing the post with half a length in hand.

Winning trainer Pauline Gavin said: "Ad Idem loved that ground and we'll look for a novice chase now.

"He loves this track and there is a novice handicap chase back here in March for him."

Bumper winner Sydney Des Pictons opened his account over obstacles at the first time of asking in the 2011 Navan Membership Maiden Hurdle.

Favourite Sicilian Secret loomed up as a big danger in the straight but 7-1 shot Sydney Des Pictons found most for pressure to score by four lengths.

Winning trainer Colin McBratney said: "We'll aim him at a winners-of-one or a novice hurdle next but he needs soft ground."

Sicilian Secret's trainer Willie Mullins enjoyed better luck in the Navan Golf Club Open For Membership Hurdle as 11-8 market leader Sir Des Champs made a winning debut for the champion trainer.

The Gigginstown Stud-owned gelding, a winner at Auteuil, came home two and a half lengths clear of White Star Line

Mullins' representative, Harold Kirk, said: "He is a nice big horse and was bought with chasing in mind. He'll have on or two more runs before the end of the season and handles soft ground well."< Raz De Maree (4-1) finished best to claim the Tote Jackpot Guarantee Maiden Hurdle for Dessie Hughes and Bryan Cooper.

"That was a good and tough performance," said Hughes.

"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."

Trainer Michael O'Hare enjoyed a double with Accordion To Paddy (14-1) landing the Meath Handicap Hurdle and 6-1 shot Arctic Mick taking the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase