Golden Cross lands odds in Navan

Golden Cross made heavy weather of landing the odds in the McCabe Builders Ltd Boyne Hurdle in Navan.

Johnny Murtagh 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 onto take third place.

Golden Cross is unchanged at 7-1 with VC Bet for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

William Hill also left Golden Cross unchanged for the stayers' race at 6-1, while Cashmans left him at 8-1.

Halford said: “Johnny said after the race that the horse didn’t have much company with only five runners in the race.

“He had to wake him up but he got through the ground well enough and he will be better in a more competitive race with more horses around him.

“He definitely answered the question about staying the trip and will go for the World Hurdle now, ground permitting, and I wouldn’t risk him on fast ground.

“He is a very easy on himself at home and that is why he ran in the AIG at Leopardstown as I felt he need two races to get himself right.”