Harvard Guy too smart in Navan Listed heat

Harvard Guy made it a hat-trick of course wins in taking the Listed Navan Handicap Hurdle.

Running off a mark 22lb higher than when successful in November, the Eddie and Patrick Harty-trained gelding was given a patient ride by Mark Walsh in the JP McManus colours, as Kilbree Warrior bowled along well clear in the hands of Darragh O'Keeffe.

The 7-4 favourite still had work to do over the last, but in the end was able to reel in the gallant Kilbree Warrior for victory by three-quarters of a length, giving the mare 15lb in doing so.

"It was hard fought. In fairness to the second horse I thought he had gone mad on the ground, but he nearly got there," said Eddie Harty.

"We couldn’t have ridden him any differently with the weights, but he did get there and it was a good performance.

"I’d say myself that would rule him out of Leopardstown (Dublin Racing Festival), I don’t think you could turn out after that run on that ground.

Harvard Guy