Russell steps in for Smashing ride

Smashing a chance spare for Davy Russell who replaced intended rider Jonathan Burke, made all to take the Thurles Racecourse Supporters Club Chase.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained grey jumped well in this 2m2f Listed event apart from one error at the penultimate fence, and kept on well for a convincing victory.

The 9/10 favourite’s task was eased when chief market rival Avant Tout fell three out while tracking the leader.

Smashing had five lengths in hand over Tennis Cap at the line, with Nearly Nama’d another nine lengths adrift in third.

Burke was stood down for the day and taken to hospital for precautionary xrays after a fall from Sizing Silver also trained by de Bromhead for Alan and Ann Potts, in the opening rated novice chase.

De Bromhead said, "Its a shame Johnny (Burke) missed the ride and hopefully he'll be ok but Davy was a great sub and gave him a great ride. I was delighted with the way he did it apart from the last two but it was a competitive race.

"We've waited for the race since Christmas and I'm delighted we did wait as it was cancelled twice.

"We'll look at the options but the Ryanair Chase looks a bit steep. I ran him in the wrong race last year in the Arkle as he was lost on the better ground. He had previously finished fourth in the Coral Hurdle and I might look at the 2m5f handicap chase.

"The handicaps at Cheltenham are almost like conditions chases now and we'll stick to either Grade 2's or 3's or handicaps."

Russell said, “It’s testing ground and I should have just sat quiet on him at the second last. I asked him for a stride and he was clever enough to put in another one and do the right thing."

(TW & AM)