Norville and Philip Donovan © Photo Healy Racing
The Lee Smyth trained Norville was the 16/1 surprise winner of the Jolly January Dining Handicap at Dundalk this evening, winning under claimer Philip Donovan.
Following the win, Smyth stated "the owner Richard Auld lives only about five minutes from me in Co. Antrim and is a great supporter of mine through thick and thin.
"People said I was mad running him over a mile but it was on good advice from Niall McCullagh who said he'd love a mile around here.
"He ran great here the last day but was badly hampered, and Philip deserved another chance on him. He was bucking going out and I knew that was a good sign.
"He likes the Curragh and I'll get him ready for there and have him fresh. Six furlongs is what he wants at the Curragh but the mile suits here around the bend. He does nothing in front and needs those blinkers."
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
