THE Grade 2 victory of Jason The Militant in the Paddy Power Johnstown Novice Hurdle at Naas was noteworthy for many reasons. Gaining most coverage was the refusal of Peter Michael, the owner, to accept the winning trophy from the sponsors. The 25/1 longshot had been touted as a potential winner by his owner on social media before the race and duly delivered.

Peter Michael has an added vested interest in the six-year-old’s success as he bred the gelding in partnership with his brother Martin. Jason The Militant is from the first crop of the classic-winning sire Sans Frontieres (Galileo), the first Group 1 winner on the flat owned by Sir Robert Ogden. That win came on what was to prove to be his final outing, in the 2010 The Irish Field St Leger.