THE only graded race in Ireland in the period under review was the Grade 2 novice hurdle at Navan won by Ashdale Bob (141) in a time similar to that recorded by Jukebox Jive (140) when scoring by 12 lengths in a handicap a bit later and much quicker than the other two 20-furlong hurdles.

Bob Olinger remains on 135, courtesy of his second at Gowran Park to the now-sidelined Ferny Hollow, but did not have to run at all fast (only about 90) to land prohibitive odds in the maiden hurdle.