Peter Smithers made full use of Outside The Door s reserves of stamina as Padraig Roche's good servant led from early on to land the three-mile (80-109) handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse.

A winner over fences at Wexford on his previous outing in August, the Milan gelding was running off a 16lb lower hurdles mark here.

Sent off 6/4 favourite in a field depleted by withdrawals due to the drying ground, he asserted after the second-last to beat Milanaway by four lengths.

“He loves that ground, he jumps and he gallops. He’s a grand old horse to have," said Roche of the Hold Firm Syndicate's eight-year-old.

“If the ground stayed alright he might have a go at the Cork National. He has a great attitude and has won six for us now.”

Quotes from Alan Magee