Clopf gives O'Grady double at Navan

Clopf (8-13f) has completed a quick across-the-card double for Edward O'Grady with an effortless victory in the Bar-One Racing ``For Auction'' Novice Hurdle.

Twenty minutes after Ride The Storm (14-1) struck for O’Grady at Limerick, Clopf put in a superb round of hurdling in the hands of Barry Geraghty to follow up last month’s Clonmel success in tremendous style.

He easily beat Aitmatov, runner-up at Clonmel, by 12 lengths with Gleann An Sagart third.

Geraghty and O’Grady also teamed up to take this Grade Three event with O’Muircheartaigh in 2005.

“He’s home-bred and I was delighted with that,” said O’Grady.

“I think he’ll improve for that as he looks a very natural jumper.

“He might even be better on better ground. That’s what Barry thought and he’s very sweet on him.

When asked about the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle as a possible long-term goal for Clopf, O’Grady added: “I hope to be making that entry in due course.

“He’ll next go to the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse at the end of the month.”