Empresario scores on first start for Smith

Empresario got off the mark on his first start for Matthew Smith as he took the Taste @downroyal Maiden Hurdle under John Tobin (third career success).

The five-year-old son of Hurricane Run was previously trained by Denis Hogan and he disappointed on his last four starts, finished fifth at Musselburgh on his last outing in January.

Having started at 8/1 this morning he was well backed, opening on-course at 9/2 before going off at 4/1 chance.

Settled in third, he was ridden after the third last after being slightly hampered by the fall of That’s A Fact.

An awkward jump at the second last didn’t help his cause but he soon got going, coming through to lead before the last, staying on well on the run-in to score by three and a half lengths. Captain Carleton ran a fine race to finished second at 14/1 under Paul Carberry for Cormac Farrell, while Ram Them All finished a further two lengths back in third under Andrew Lynch for Pat Fahy.

Piece D’or, who was well-beaten at Leopardstown yesterday, went off the 7/2 favourite, and she finished a disappointing seventh under Sean Flanagan for Harry Kelly.

Matthew Smith said afterwards: "I've had him two and a half to three months. He has plenty of ability and won twice on the flat.

"John gave him a great ride, his biggest job was settling him. I'm delighted to get that out of the way. Bellewstown is a possibility."

STEWARDS REPORTS

Mrs John Harrington, trainer of Condagene reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge went lame in running and was pulled up.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Piece D'or trained by David Harry Kelly, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham