Smashing performance in Webster Cup

After disappointing in Cheltenham, Smashing bounced back to form to land the feature at Navan today, the Grade 2 Webster Cup.

Successful on his seasonal reappearance at Gowran in November, the Henry De Bromhead trained grey followed up in a Listed race Thurles, before winning the Red Mills Chase at Gowran in February.

He disappointingly pulled up in the Ryanair at Cheltenham last month and he was sent off the 9/4 second favourite today, with Road To Riches (who finished third in the Ryanair) the market leader at 4/5.

Smashing was sent straight to the front by Jonathan Burke and he was joined three out by Road To Riches.

The two had a good battle from there with Smashing pulling out more in the closing stages to prevail by half a length.

Road To Riches finished second under Davy Russell, while the fast finishing Foxrock was nearest at the finish, just three parts of a length back in third having looked held from three out.

Johnny Burke said afterwards: "He's so effective on that ground. At Cheltenham he ran a great race to the top of the hill but the ground took it's toll from there.

"I could feel Davy on my tail all the way and he kept picking up. He was good and tough and stuck his head down. Three miles would not be a bother on him, and he's a joy to ride for any jockey as he travels and jumps.

"The ground is obviously a massive factor but if it keeps raining there could be something else for him. Either way he's a lovely horse to look forward to for next season."

Noel Meade, trainer of the runner-up Road To Riches, said in the aftermath: "I'm happy enough with him, and he'll go for the Punchestown Gold Cup now. When the rain came I was getting a bit edgy but he's run a good race as he always does."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards requested a report from Henry de Bromhead, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Smashing (FR), winner, as compared with its most recent run at Cheltenham on March 17th where he pulled up.

Gary Davies, authorised representative of the trainer reported that Smashing got worked up in the preliminaries prior to the race in Cheltenham and so today they brought him into the parade ring later than the rest of the field and took him down early so as to keep him calm before his race.

Also the soft to heavy going today suited him better than the good going in Cheltenham, and this may have brought about any apparent improvement in form.

Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee