Lisclogher Lad (Stephen Gray) leads Fort Smith and Bryan Cooper home© Photo Healy Racing
Mullinavat County Kilkenny trainer Sean Walsh was doubly represented in the Annual Membership At Naas Maiden Hurdle and he had his first winner on the track (point-to-point winners in the interim) since the triple bumper winning mare of 1992, Alices Run, when Lisclogher Lad took the opener on the big Grade 1 day.
Rider Stephen Gray (now based with Edward O'Grady) was also ending a barren spell here, going back a couple of years, as front-running Lisclogher Lad held on by a short head from Ballycahane (20s this morning into 10s).
One to seven shot Fort Smith disappointed badly, and after having had every chance he ended up two and three parts of a length back in third.
"He battled hard. He'll come on from the run hopefully too. He's tough," said Walsh.
"We'll look for a winners of one somewhere. He didn't take to fences and is a far better horse over hurdles."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Fort Smith, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(GC & EM)
