Maralan profits from Clopf mishap

Clopf was denied a second victory over fences when he slithered to the ground after the last, handing the Kevin McManus Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan to 50-1 outsider Maralan.

Trained by the colourful Oliver Brady, the seven-year-old landed the Grade Two prize in the hands of John Cullen.

The victory provided a welcome success for the trainer, who recently required a quadruple heart-bypass operation.

Edward O’Grady’s Clopf, a Grade one winner over hurdles, appeared to have the race in the bag but a slight error at the last caused him to lose his footing.

Dark Artist was three-quarters of a length away in second – another sign that Noel Meade’s horses are returning to form, while 11-8 favourite Scotsirish stayed on well for third.