Meade fully in the picture

Fully Funded put up a game front-running performance to take the Friends of Navan ’Monksfield’ Novice Hurdle at the Co Meath track.

Noel Meade’s five-year-old looked like having to settle for second when Ballyburke ranged alongside at the second-last.

However, he could find no more and Fully Funded (6-1) found extra for Davy Condon to pull away and stay on for a four-and-a-half-length victory.

Gift Of Dgab made good late progress to push Ballyburke into third spot.

“We bought him at the Newmarket Sales, having previously been rated 98, and something of a nearly horse, on the Flat in France,” said Meade.

“He ran a good race on his first run for us but, like a lot of French breds, then went back and disappointed before then winning at Wexford.

“I fancied him today and told the lads (More The Merrier Syndicate) that he’d win. He may come back for the Grade One Navan Novice Hurdle here next – he can improve from this win.”