The likeable grey Coko Beach put in a neat round of jumping to land the Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Chase for Danny Gilligan and Gordon Elliott - who had 14 of the 20 starters in the Navan feature.

The eight-year-old was always handy in the three-mile affair, with Gilligan's 5lb claim easing the 11st 10lb burden he was required to carry off what was nearly a career-high mark of 153.

He ran a rhythmical race and met each fence well, easing into contention as the race developed and eventually staying on best of all to win by two and a quarter lengths from Gavin Cromwell's 4-1 favourite Limerick Lace.

"He's a great horse and we're lucky to have him. He's been knocking on the door in all those races, so he deserved to win one," said Elliott.

"Jack (Kennedy) actually kind of wanted to ride him, but I wanted to claim off him and thank God I did. Danny is a great little rider and it's a valuable 5lb.

"I thought it was a good race to watch. It was helter-skelter the whole way, they went a good gallop and all horses seemed to be home safe.

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"He's a bit of a boyo at home, he's just a character. He had a good run in Limerick the last day.

"In the past he hasn't been that strong of a finisher, he's often faded out from the last home.

"We'll probably head for a National with him, the Paddy Power would be a bit quick. He probably likes soft ground. He could also go for the Thyestes.

"He has schooled over cross-country and we won't rule that out either."

On running a huge team of horses, he added: "Thank God I won it anyway! We have to support these races, if I didn't run in it there would only have been seven runners (at declaration time).

"It's massively important for Navan racecourse, for the sponsors Bar One and for Irish racing that these races are full.

"I'll support them and so will my owners. I don't know if it's the type of slow horses that I buy, but I seem to have a lot of them!"

Croke Park continued his progression with what was ultimately a clear-cut victory in the John Lynch Carpets & Flooring Monksfield Novice Hurdle.

In a race dominated by Gordon Elliott runners, the Clonmel maiden winner did have to be asked a question or two in setting about catching stablemate and long-time leader Mel Monroe between the last two flights.

He still had to work to get to Mel Monroe after the final obstacle, but did look like he would do so and in the end the 4-6 favourite was going away at the line to take Grade Three honours.

The gallant Mel Monroe was three and a quarter lengths back in second, with fellow Cullentra inmates Search For Glory and Pinyon Jay third and fourth respectively.

"He's a lovely horse, Jack (Kennedy) said he probably wants three miles in time. He said he didn't do a whole lot when he got there, but he did it well and jumped well," said Elliott.

"We probably don't have to go three miles yet. He's a big horse and he's had two runs now so I might even keep him for (the Grade One in) Naas. I don't know if I'd be wanting to be going to the well too much. I think he is a nice horse.

"Mel Monroe is a nice mare and has improved an awful lot from Cheltenham. She was just about fit enough to go there and ran well. It looks like she came on again and it was a great run, a nice bit of black type for the boys.

"Search For Glory might come back here for the good handicap hurdle, the €100,000 race. Mel Monroe might come back for that as well, she could step up or drop back in trip."

Elliott's Kala Conti was an effortless winner at Navan on her Irish debut.

The filly is French-bred and won her sole start in her home nation by 10 lengths in May before changing hands.

Her Irish career began in the Bar One Racing "Price Boosts Across All Channels" 3-Y-O Hurdle, a race she was the 2-13 favourite in against just two rivals.

Under Jack Kennedy she made all the running and never saw another horse, easily navigating her way around the two-mile trip to cross the line at a canter 14 lengths ahead of stablemate Roboreti.

"She's a nice filly. Jack said he could have gone around again, she would have done more at home," said Elliott.

"I'd imagine we'll probably look at the Graded race in Fairyhouse in two weeks' time and she'll have an entry at Newbury on the same weekend.

"The other horse was taking her on and you're always waiting for something to go wrong in those races but it was pretty straightforward and she did it well."

Brian Acheson's Robcour colours did not have to wait long for another success with a smart prospect, as Look To The West took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle for Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead.

Another making her debut under rules in Ireland, the five-year-old was the 9-4 joint-favourite and made the running before prevailing by a length.

"Delighted with that. She came well recommended for her point-to-point, but last year she was just a bit immature still and had a couple of little issues," said De Bromhead.

"She'd been working really well and we thought she was nice.

"It's not easy to make it around there and it looked a nice race. She hasn't run for a long time so hopefully she'll keep improving as well.

"She jumped a bit right but otherwise she was really good.

"We've got her started and now we can look at the next level. I'd say she'll get further, but she looked good over that trip. She gallops and jumps.

"Maybe something like the Solerina, but we'll see what everyone wants to do and enjoy today."