A gentle hum rolled across Navan Racecourse as stable staff tightened girths and offered last-minute pats, the kind that say more than words ever could. With anticipation building for the Navan Race Preview, the eight-race card from 11:50 to 15:55 on 17 November 2025 promises a revealing mid-autumn test for novices, improvers, and seasoned names alike. Trainers leaned in close, whispering calm into anxious ears, while jockeys walked out with focused strides that hinted at the long afternoon ahead.
Race 1 – Emerging Talent in the Maiden Hurdle
The opening contest, the Kilberry Pub & Kitchen Maiden Hurdle (11:50, 2m4f50yds), sets the tone for the day. ATTANAGH (A.P. Kelly/Conor O’Dwyer) brings strong schooling confidence, while BRYSON (J.J. Slevin/S.R.B. Crawford) looks sharper with each outing. BUTTON ROCK (K.C. Sexton/Gordon Elliott) and CLASSICAL CREEK (J.W. Kennedy/Gordon Elliott) offer the yard a powerful pair, whereas COME ON MCCAFF (P.M. O’Brien/T.G. McCourt) and COYOTE SPIRIT (S. Ewing/Gordon Elliott) ensure the race is packed with depth.
Race 2 – Competitive Handicap with Seasoned Names
The Lisadell Equine Hospital 110 Series Final Handicap Hurdle (12:25, 2m4f50yds) gathers a tightly matched field. PAUL’S DREAM (D.E. Mullins/Anthony Mullins) seeks to build on recent consistency, though KILLINURE LASS (J.C. Gainford/J.P. Dempsey) brings improving form. PLUNKETT STREET (D. Meyler/Michael William O’Meara) and CLUB MANAGER (L.A. McKenna/Ross O’Sullivan) remain lively threats, while ITS NOT OVER YET (P.T. Enright/Oliver McKiernan) and ARCH ENEMY (E. Walsh/Patrick Magee) add further intrigue.
Race 3 – Speed and Stamina Over the Intermediate Trip
A lively mix lines up for the Hotel Park St. Johann In Tirol Austria Handicap Hurdle (13:00, 2m50yds). RAGMANS CORNER (E. Finegan/Gerard Keane) stays better than most, but BLACK BAMBOO (D.J. Gilligan/John Joseph Murphy) has the turn of foot to challenge. SCALPNAGOON (J.W. Kennedy/Gordon Elliott), BALKO D’ANGE (B. Hayes/Philip Fenton), KILLANEY KING (D.G. Whelan/Henry de Bromhead), and COLONIA VICTORIA (S.W. Flanagan/Paul Nolan) shape a race that should tighten in the final furlong.
Race 4 – Novices Look to Make a Statement
The Grade 3 Bar One Racing For Auction Novice Hurdle (13:35, 2m50yds) welcomes rising prospects. I’LL SORT THAT (D.L. Queally/Declan Queally) carries momentum, while ACE BRANNIGAN (M.P. O’Connor/Henry de Bromhead) remains a polished operator. MA JACKS HILL (J.W. Kennedy/Gordon Elliott) and stablemate THEFLYINGKING (S. Ewing/Gordon Elliott) strengthen the yard’s challenge, with EYE OF A TIGER (J.J. Slevin/John Patrick Ryan) and WHIMSY (A. Harvey/Anthony McCann) not far behind.
Race 5 – Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle Highlights the Afternoon
The Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle (14:10, 2m4f50yds) brings real star quality. THE YELLOW CLAY (J.W. Kennedy/Gordon Elliott) commands attention, flanked by MAXXUM (D.J. Gilligan/Gordon Elliott). COLONEL MUSTARD (J.P. Shinnick/Lorna Fowler) remains a fan-favourite, GRANDERO BELLO (R.A. Doyle/Eddie & Patrick Harty) adds steel, while JETARA (P. Townend/Mrs John Harrington) and MOZZIES SISTER (A. Harvey/Declan Queally) deepen the field.
Race 6 – Fortria Chase: A High-Class Clash
The Grade 2 Fortria Steeplechase (14:45, 2m) delivers the afternoon’s headline moment. MARINE NATIONALE (S.W. Flanagan/Barry Connell) enters with weighty expectations, but SOLNESS (J.J. Slevin/Joseph Patrick O’Brien) and FOUND A FIFTY (J.W. Kennedy/Gordon Elliott) present major challenges. HERCULE DU SEUIL (P. Townend/W.P. Mullins) adds prestige, alongside TOUCH ME NOT (D.J. Gilligan/Gordon Elliott) and CAPTAIN GUINNESS (M.P. O’Connor/Henry de Bromhead).
Race 7 – Beginners Chase Offers Breakthrough Potential
The Pat Sheils Memorial Irish EBF Beginners Steeplechase (15:20, 2m1f) welcomes promising chasers. ANOTHERWAY (J.J. Slevin/Thomas Gibney), BALLYBOW (J.W. Kennedy/Gordon Elliott), and BORN BRAVER (C. Stone-Walsh/Gavin Cromwell) stand out, with HARVARD GUY (S.D. Torrens/Eddie & Patrick Harty), JIGORO (D.J. Gilligan/Gordon Elliott), and JUMP ALLEN (D.E. Mullins/W.P. Mullins) adding breadth.
Race 8 – Finale Flat Race Wraps Up a Packed Day
The concluding contest, the Bar One Racing Pro/Am Flat Race (15:55, 2m50yds), gathers an intriguing mix of newcomers and developing types. DORIE MILLER (I. Ryan/Noel Meade) has impressed at home, while JET TO MONTE CARLO (J.L. Gleeson/Emmet Mullins) brings notable freshness. LE ROI DU LIVET (J.P. O’Neill/Philip Fenton), LEMMY CAUTION (H.C. Swan/Gordon Elliott), LEONARD VALLIS (D. Allen/Terence O’Brien), and MOSSY WAY (R. James/P.M.J. Doyle) close out the afternoon.
With conditions set to play a decisive role, the Navan Race Preview carries the kind of winter energy that often shapes early-season momentum. Expect breakthroughs, returning stars, and a full afternoon of storylines waiting to unfold.
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