A sharp winter breeze and an expectant crowd set the tone at Navan Racecourse on Saturday, January 17, where a seven-race card unfolded with purpose from 12:10pm to 3:35pm. It was an afternoon shaped by stamina, timing, and resolve, anchored by the €45,000 Navan Handicap Hurdle, a feature that rewarded patience and precision amid testing conditions.
Zeus Power, a 5-year-old bay gelding from the Joseph Patrick O’Brien yard, opened proceedings in confident style. Partnered by J J Slevin, he travelled smoothly before asserting late in the Race Displays Rated Novice Hurdle, stopping the clock at 4m 13.30s. Racing for Power Thoroughbreds PTY Limited and bred by Power Thoroughbreds Germany GmbH, he edged clear of Lazare de Star, with Welonlyhavedone staying on gamely in third.
In the NavanRacecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle, Timesareachanging underlined his stamina. The 7-year-old chestnut gelding, guided by Philip Donovan for trainer Andrew Slattery, ground his way to a decisive success in 6m 7.10s. Owned by the Times Are A Changing Racing Syndicate and bred by Noel O’Brien, he held Court Compliance at bay, while He Can’t Dance filled the minor placing.
The afternoon found its heartbeat in the Navan Handicap Hurdle, where Zanoosh delivered a measured and memorable performance. The 6-year-old bay mare, trained by C A Murphy and ridden with poise by Brian Hayes, struck late to secure the €45,000 prize in 5m 31.20s. Racing for the Winning Ways Reunion Syndicate and bred by Mrs C Hartery and J Dewberry, she proved too strong for Hgranca De Thaix, with Son Of Anarchy third.
Consistency ruled the Ardmulchan Handicap Hurdle as One Big Boum, a 7-year-old bay gelding, justified experience. Niall Moore delivered a controlled ride for trainer Philip Fenton, seeing off Teds Corner in 5m 36.30s. Owned by the Grey Stays Syndicate and bred by Niall Flynn, he held firm, with Low Style completing the frame.
Precision jumping took centre stage in the Beginners Chase, where Joystick showcased authority. The 7-year-old grey gelding, trained by W P Mullins for Mrs S Ricci, jumped fluently under Brian Hayes to score in 6m 47.50s, ahead of Slade Steel and Patter Merchant.
Hayes completed a notable treble as Brown Boots stayed powerfully in the Gormanlough Handicap Chase. Trained by Liam P Cusack for John T Murray and bred by Mr James Casey, the 7-year-old bay gelding clocked 7m 3.30s, outlasting Duce Bigalow and Plain Or Battered.
The curtain fell with promise as The Irish Avatar closed the Racing Again February 8th INH Flat Race. Ridden by Mr P W Mullins and trained by W P Mullins for Gigginstown House Stud, the 5-year-old bay gelding scored in 4m 19.10s, ahead of Low Kick and Liskeveen, sealing a compelling Navan chapter.
Navan Race Results 17 January unfolded with clarity, depth, and strong winter form lines, highlighted by a feature handicap of quality and support races rich in emerging talent, setting a confident tone for the weeks ahead.
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