NAVAN 16:00 1y2y4

All 8 ran.

Time: 1m 41.08s Closing Sectional: (2f): 24.85s (101.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 100.1%

Not the easiest race to assess with all 8 runners returning from absences, several also dropping back in trip, but it produced a thrilling finale as Ancient Spirit and Buckhurst went toe-to-toe inside the final 1f.

ANCIENT SPIRIT (GER) ended a losing run going back to 2018 (when trained in ), given a well-judged ride by a jockey who has made a flying start upon racing's resumption this week, taking his time to track across to the inside after taking an early lead, that rail position perhaps the difference between victory and defeat in the closing stages; led after 1f, shaken up 2f out, tackled final 1f, ed inside last ½f, battled well; he clearly likes to get on with things and may prove best at around this trip whilst acknowledging how close he came to winning a 10f listed event at Leopardstown last October.

BUCKHURST (IRE) looked vulnerable carrying a 5 lb penalty as a dual Group 3 winner at 10f last season but ran really well under the circumstances; in touch, travelled as well as any, second 2f out, challenged approaching final 1f, upsides last ½f, edged out line; still largely unexposed, this should set him up nicely for some good middle distance events as the season progresses.

TRAIS FLUORS back down in trip after 3 months off, took a step back in the right direction; waited with, pushed along 2f out, stayed on gradually final 1f, took third close home.

BOLD APPROACH (IRE) another in this field whose best form last season was over longer trips, nevertheless ran creditably after 6 months off; tracked pace, ridden over 2f out, not quicken final 1f.

BREAKING STORY (IRE) without a tongue strap this time and gelded since last seen, seemed to excel himself up in grade after 6 months off, in doing so possibly blowing his chance in handicaps, coming into this race with a TC mark of just 86; mid-division, ridden 2f out, headway approaching final 1f, faded close home.

INHALE without the hood worn on her only outing for Michael Bell 3 months earlier, faced a stiff task in this grade but seemed to show improved form; slowly into stride, in rear, not settle fully, steady headway from 2f out, never on ; connections will no doubt be keen to gain some black-type at some stage, though she's probably better off back in handicaps for now.

SAN ANDREAS (IRE) back on turf after 3 months off, was found out in better company; led first 1f, fourth when short of room along inside 2f out, dropped away 1f out.

MOUNT EVEREST (IRE) hadn't been at his best on his travels around the globe since mugging Ancient Spirit at Leopardstown last October and was dropping back in trip here, but even so ran too badly to be true and seems to be going the wrong way; held up, pushed along 3f out, first beaten.