Smooth Tom and Philip Donovan © Photo Healy Racing
Experienced 5lb claimer Philip Donovan registered his biggest career success todate in Naas' BetVictor Fishery Lane Novice Hurdle today, scoring on the Andy Slattery-trained Smooth Tom (10/1).
Confined to four-year-olds and won in recent years by Champion Hurdle winner Espoir D'allen (in 2018), Hatton's Grace Hurdle winner Teahupoo (in 2021) and last year by Cheltenham winner Brazil, today's renewal lost it's Grade 3 status but five of the six runners were last-time-out winners.
Smooth Tom's Listowel maiden hurdle September success had been followed by an unplaced October Handicap run but today resumed winning ways, arriving with a well-timed challenge to lead after the last, beating Mayor's Walk by three lengths.
Afterwards Donovan - based in the UK with Neil Mulholland prior to returning to Ireland in 2020, quipped “I don't get to ride horses like that much but it's good when you can!
“I was hoping they'd go quicker but when they go a proper gallop in front, he'll be some weapon. He was very professional.”
He added “he is Cian Quirke's ride normally, but he is out injured (with a leg fracture) and I'm just happy to be stepping in.”
Willie Slattery, representing his brother, said “Smooth Tom is a 90-horse on the flat and I was surprised how big a price he was. He handles soft ground but you would always be a big worried about a flat horse on winter ground.
“Andy (Slattery) was talking about giving him a rest and if he runs again it will probably be Leopardstown at Christmas. He’s going to have to step up again.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
