Matt Smith continues good spell of form

Useful Flat stayer La Hacienda (11/2) gained her first win over jumps when easily landing the second division of the Kilcawley Construction Handicap Hurdle.

Third on her previous start at Downpatrick, the daughter of Free Eagle was held up in mid-division by James Smith before making steady headway to lead at the second-last and went away to beat Divilabother by nine and a half lengths.

Matt Smith, father of the winning rider, trains the German-bred for the ABD Syndicate, and said: "This is our time of year and the horses are all running well (double at Bellewstown on Friday). Most of ours want summer ground. 

"This mare has won at Galway on the Flat so we might head there with her. It's nice to get that hurdles win with her. She's small but she's tough.

"I'm not sure about three miles, she's not slow and travels very strongly, so this kind of trip is probably about right for now.  

"I'm delighted for James, he works hard and deserves any success he gets."