No Thanks sees it out best© Photo Healy Racing
No Thanks made the best way home from the elbow to win the qualified riders' handicap in Bellewstown.
Jody Townend sent him through to lead over a quarter of a mile out and the pair got first run on their rivals off the elbow.
They kept up the gallop in this extended two mile one test, and stable companions Hannon and Great Bear were left frustrated in second and third respectively.
The winner was supported from 13/2 to 9/2. Tom Gibney's Hannon, the 9/4 favourite, closed to within three parts of a length at the line without ever looking like getting there. Great Bear was half a length further adrift in third at 6/1.
“We're delighted with that and Jody gave him a peach of a ride,” said winning trainer Matthew Smith.
“He's very straightforward, he's tough and he's genuine.
“I was a little bit concerned as it's only three weeks since Galway and he ran three times in a week there. That was in the back of my mind.
“He was in great form at home though. My son James rode him this morning and said he nearly bucked him off coming back in from the gallop.
“We'll look for something similar and he'll stay on the Flat for the moment. He stays very well.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
