Dartan completes Bellewstown treble under James Smith

Dartan maintained his perfect record at the County Meath track when making it three from three in the Bective Stud Tea Rooms & Apartments Mullacurry Cup Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown.

A winner over hurdles at the track in July, the grey doubled up when reverting to the flat to win here under Derek O'Connor on Tuesday evening.

Back over flights this afternoon, the six-year-old was always to the fore under James Smith before heading Andys Flame on the approach to two out. Ridden clear at the last, he kept on strongly to beat the staying on Clifftop by six-and-a-half lengths.

Trainer Matthew Smith said: "He's such a laid-back horse, even Derek (O'Connor) said that yesterday. It doesn't take much out of him.

"James said it felt like he was flat out most to the way, but he finds. He is so laid-back, so it is hard to know if he is flat out or not.

"We will definitely consider the Petingo and the Irish Cesarewitch that he is entered in. I have to figure all that out with the weights. He would run if the ground is okay, he wouldn't want it too soft.

"I knew he was in great nick, he hadn't a nut left this morning.

"I wasn't worried about form-wise, I was a little bit worried about the trip but he stayed very well."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.