Henry de Bromhead's talented four-year-old Sizing Rio led his rivals from start to finish in the Grade Three 'For Auction' Novice Hurdle at Navan.

Andrew Lynch sent the 4-5 favourite straight to the front in the two-mile contest and it was clear from the home turn the majority of his opponents would struggle to peg back the deficit.

There were a few moments of concern for favourite-backers, however, as Ruby Walsh conjured a dangerous-looking run out of Ted Veale between the final two flights.

But Sizing Rio went again once Walsh's mount was on his tail and was always doing enough at the finish to score by a length and a half.

De Bromhead said: "That was good and I'm delighted with it. Andrew said that he was a bit hard to get around the bends in front. He is real galloping horse and the faster they go, the better he is. He is a big, raw four-year-old and he is a real horse for the future and fences.

"We will give him a break now and probably bring him back for Leopardstown at Christmas. Hopefully there won't be a problem with him going left-handed there. He is not entered in the Royal Bond and I think he will be better on better ground."

Stan James cut Sizing Rio to 20-1 from 25-1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Dessie Hughes's decent Flat performer Our Conor (8-13 favourite) made the perfect start to his career over obstacles with a comfortable victory in the Follow Navan Racecourse Facebook 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.

Bryan Cooper was always travelling powerfully towards the head of affairs and though Casual Creeper loomed up as a danger, Our Conor soon saw off his attentions and pulled right away after winging the final flight to register an eight-and-a-half-length victory.

Hughes said: "He can jump. He schooled well from day one. He was fit and his form was good on the Flat. He handles heavy ground and I suppose it will be Christmas next for him. He is a nice three-year-old."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests