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Sharples 'pride and joy' Kruzhlinin wins veterans chase at the age of 14

Camilla Sharples and her beloved 14-year-old Kruzhlinin were victorious at Navan
Camilla Sharples and her beloved 14-year-old Kruzhlinin were victorious at NavanCredit: Healy Racing

The roars of Camilla Sharples could be heard in the nearby village of Nobber as the 14-year-old Kruzhlinin, described by course commentator Jerry Hannon as her "pride and joy", soared over the last on the way to winning the veterans handicap chase.

It was Kruzhlinin's ninth success at the track, but he has also won 14 point-to-points and proved that age is only a number as he coasted home by eight and a half lengths under another teenager, 7lb claimer Jordan Gainford.

Sharples, who is Gordon Elliott's travelling head girl and owner of Kruzhlinin, was emotional afterwards and understandably so given she has cared for him since he was five.

Sharples said: "He owes me absolutely nothing and I was just hoping he would come back in one piece. Thank God he did, I'm lost for words.

"We call him Kevin at home because nobody knew how to pronounce his name when I first started looking after him at Donald McCain's nine years ago. So that's why we called him Kevin. The Rooneys very kindly gave him to me and let him run in my colours as I said I would rehome him forever. And here we are.

"It's been a very, very tough week for the whole team, but we've all stuck together and this is just awesome."

Dove soars to glory in feature

Joseph O'Brien sent out a 1-2 in the feature Grade 3 Flyingbolt Novice Chase with Scarlet And Dove seeing off stablemate Sempo by seven lengths.

The decisive moment arrived after the second-last when Epson Du Houx stumbled and came down.

O'Brien's assistant Brendan Powell said: "It's a nice bit of black-type for her. She's a gorgeous mare; she looks like a gelding as she's nice and big."

Navan: stages good racing on Saturday
Scarlet And Dove (Donagh Meyler) on her way to a seven-length victory over Sharpo in the Flyingbolt Novice ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann

Super Saturday for Mullins and Byrne

It was a Saturday to savour for Emmet Mullins and owner Paul Byrne, who not only sent out The Shunter to win the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso but also watched Noble Yeats win the 2m6f maiden hurdle by a wide margin.

The 4-11 favourite was much too good for main market rival Mr Josiey Wales, scoring by 12 lengths under Brian Hayes.

Results, replays and analysis


Catch up on the rest of Saturday's action

'He's a real cracking horse' - Cloth Cap slashed for National after Kelso romp

Is Cloth Cap the next Grand National winner? Our reporters have their say

Upwardly mobile Martin in the money as Charlie's Glance scoots home in bumper

Charlie Todd shines as part of memorable 2,582-1 treble for red-hot Ian Williams

Umbrigado lands Greatwood in style to make late pitch for festival consideration

The Shunter set to bid for six-figure festival bonus after Morebattle victory

Liftoff for Harley as Apollo One puts rider back among winners following injury

'It's a very emotional night' - Lord Glitters shines for another Group 1 success


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Deputy Ireland editor

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