Smooth Tom hunts down Ninth Loch at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Andy Slattery 's Smooth Tom (5/2) was produced to collar the favourite Ninth Loch on the run-in of the opening maiden hurdle in Listowel.
Ninth Loch (6/5f) was untidy in the lead two out and soon came under pressure as Smooth Tom was switched to close at the last. He jumped it better than the leader and soon grabbed the lead before going on by a length and a-half. There was a gap of 11 lengths back to third-placed Wandering Rocks (25/1).
This was a winning debut over flights for the four-year-old gelding who won twice on the Flat.
Jockey Cian Quirke said: “For one of Andy’s he might not have had as much schooling done as the others, but he was natural enough at home. He’ll definitely sharpen up a lot from it and he was good at the last when I needed him.
“Going to the second last Paul had ducked in so I went to switch out and then he’s crossed out at the last so I had to come back in. It was hard for an inexperienced horse but he’s done it well.
“I had loads going down to the last and he’s won easy in the end.
“He’s an exciting one and I’m grateful to get the opportunity to ride him.”
Paddy Power gave Smooth Tom a first show of 50/1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
