The steadier of top-weight proved no barrier to Silverhand who was capably handled by Tim Carroll to take the valuable Freshways Handicap Hurdle and provide owner J P McManus with another big race success this week.
The six-year-old grey gelding was sent to the front off the home bend by the 7lb claimer, and kept on well up the final climb to beat Red Vinto by two and a half lengths.
“He loves that good ground, and stays well as he gets two miles on the Flat. We decided to use Tim and take some weight off as he's quite small,” said trainer Noel Meade.
“He had a break in Martinstown after the Punchestown Festival, and something like the Coral Cup would be a long term target,” he added.
