Intense proves tough for Smithers Intense Approach answered gamely under a strong drive from Conor Smithers to record a gutsy success in the Racing TV Handicap Chase at Down Royal. The John McConnell-trained gelding cut out the running in the three-miler and was joined on the long run for home by Dinoland, with the last two fences bypassed due to the low lying sun. There was nothing between the pair passing the final fence but Intense Approach found a bit more in the closing stages to assert and record a two-and-a-quarter length success. The 9/1 winner was returning to fences, having been runner-up over timber at Punchestown 18 days ago. Smithers said: "I'm having a great season, thank God. "He's a tricky sort of a horse; it is just confidence. He got in a grand rhythm and just off the home turn I wanted to stretch them. It is a long way in without two fences. Thankfully, when one came to him, he was gameball. "For being out in front so long, he had every entitlement to maybe throw in the towel when a horse came to him. He put the head down and he battled hard. "I'd say he gained a lot of confidence from the hurdle run the last time. "I thought he would have been shorter, but knowing he is a bit of a character hence the price. “I thought if he was in the same form, and we got him in a rhythm enjoying himself, he would give a good account of himself. "I rode one for him (McConnell) in Wexford and I fell off at the first, so hopefully that made up for it." (Quotes by Michael Graham)
