Smile Crocodile just holds off the grey Fairymount Lord © Photo Healy Racing
Smile Crocodile held off the late charge of Fairymount Lord to record a narrow victory in the handicap hurdle at Down Royal.
Adrian Heskin sent the eventual winner to the front three from home but he had a strong challenger in Tillargon
He got the better of that rival before the last but then had to deal with Fairymount Lord.
The pair were locked together in the closing stages but Daniel Miley's charge did just enough to shade a head victory.
MIley, who trains the winner for his father, has nine under his care at his Ashford base and said afterwards:-
"I always knew he had ability but it was important to get the right rider for him as he's quirky. That win was all down to Adrian.
"The ground is testing out there. Hopefully I can double up now in the bumper! (Oscar Glen Glen)"
