Smithers makes most of his opportunity on Shadow Rider

Shadow Rider was left clear to win as he pleased in the Tommy Carberry Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Glen Kiln who took a Naas maiden hurdle a fortnight ago, moved ominously well as he hit the front before three out. The one horse to come through to challenge him was Shadow Rider, though, and indeed he took over two out where Glen Kiln crashed out once headed.

With nothing else producing a finishing kick, Shadow Rider was able to win by a whopping 21 lengths, despite fluffing the last, at 18/1. Kashi was a remote second at 22/1 and was eight lengths clear of Whatcouldhavebeen (16/1).

Anyone who had a euro on the Tote Trifecta was rewarded to the tune of €1526.20.

Trainer Padraig Roche said: “That's great. He's a lovely horse, but he's fragile. We train him out of the pool a bit.

“He's a bit inconsistent, but he did it well today and it's great to get a win out of him. They went very quick.

“Hopefully, he's alright in the morning and we'll take it from there.

“I'm delighted for Peter (Smithers, jockey), it's nice for Frank (Berry) and JP (McManus) to give him a chance. He's with me every day of the week and works hard, so it's great that he got a winner as well.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson