Henry de Bromhead’s Slade Steel continued to impress with a neat victory in the Tote Navan Novice Hurdle.

The Robcour-owned five-year-old was a point-to-point and bumper winner who made a taking start to his career over obstacles when winning a Naas maiden by five and a half lengths in November.

This was a step up to Grade Two level under Rachael Blackmore and the gelding proved himself worthy of the task with a tough half-length win from Lecky Watson at 2-1.

“I’m delighted with that, it was tough work,” said De Bromhead.

“We’d always hoped he’d be a better horse on nicer ground, he’d definitely have a preference for it, so it’s great to see him get through that and get the job done.

“Rachael was happy and said he idled a little bit in front. He’s progressing which is lovely.

“I don’t think he needs to go up to an extreme distance, he’s got plenty of gears and he won a bumper well.”

As for next steps for the bay, De Bromhead added: “There is the Dublin Racing Festival, although you might have to drop back or go up further there.

“We’ll see, we’ll enjoy today as that was a good race to win today. We’ll discuss it and see what everyone would like to do.”