Cooper doubles up on Smith's stayer

Trainer Matt Smith landed the the 80-102 handicap hurdle over three miles for the second year running as 7/4 favourite Lord Gillygooley scored comfortably.

The Scorpion gelding, placed on his two starts since switching stables in the summer, was always on the front end and took command before the second-last flight of hurdles.

He kept on well to defeat the staying-on Ruler Of Dubai by three and a half lengths.

It was a double for Bryan Cooper who had won the opener on Longacre Square

Smith won the corresponding race in 2020 with Eimear, whose full-sister Wavylake finished fourth here for the Kilmessan handler having got in as a reserve.

Of his winner, Smith remarked: “He is a little bit tricky and it was the tactics today to make the running. The last day Bryan thought he wouldn't go by the horse in front so we said we'd make the running on him today and it worked out well.

"Bryan gave him a great ride and I'm delighted for Klaus (Koentopp) as it is his first winner in his own colours. I had Lord Schnitzel for him but couldn't win and he is in horses a while so was probably getting a bit frustrated.

"I'm delighted for Klaus, who is German and based in Galway, more than anything else .

"I don't think he is a winter horse but he is a huge big horse and who will jump a fence."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes