Racing: Golden Cross made heavy weather of landing the odds in the McCabe Builders Ltd Boyne Hurdle at Navan today.
Johnny Murtagh, who flew in from Dubai for this race, had to work hard on the 8-15 shot to collar long-time leader Florida Coast in the last 100 yards.
Mick Halford’s runner went on to score by a length and a half with Holy Orders staying on to take third place. Golden Cross is unchanged at 7-1 with VC Bet for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.
In the day’s opener Mansony made all the running to win an eventful ladbrokes.com Flyingbolt Novice Chase.
Court Leader fell at the first, Greenhall Rambler unseated his rider five out and Monjoyau and Tony McCoy parted company at the third-last.
With the favourite Zum See unable to make any impression, Mansony (2-1) went on to score very easily by 25 lengths in the hands of Conor O’Dwyer.
Logical Approach was a long way behind, coming home last of the three finishers. Mansony, trained by Arthur Moore, was given a 25-1 quote for the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival with VC Bet.