Aitmatov comes through Navan assignment
Sunday, 8 November 2009 14:55The Noel Meade-trained Aitmatov defied top-weight when running out a gritty winner of the Grade Two Lismullen Hurdle at Navan under stable jockey Paul Carberry.
The 10-1 chance was always well to the fore and although Carberry was hard at work at the top of the straight, his mount kept responding to his urgings.
His task was made easier when closest rival Oscar Dan Dan came to grief at the second last and after safely negotiating the final obstacle, Aitmatov galloped on to score by seven lengths from favourite Noble Prince.
Meade said: 'That was sweet in so many ways but mainly I'm delighted for the owner John O'Meara who is unwell at the minute. He is one of my best friends and hopefully this will cheer him up.
'He'll probably take his chance in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse (29 November) now, he's there to be beaten on heavy ground.'
