Joe Smooth for Davy Gigginstown House Stud and Davy Russell completed a double at Punchestown when Joe Smooth justified odds of 30/100 for Noel Meade in the second split of the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. Earlier successful aboard Tillahow, Russell was always to the fore on Joe Smooth and despite a mistake at the second last he just needed to be kept up to his work on the run-in to easily see off Celtic Wish by three and a half lengths. Meade said: "He wasn't mad about the ground and he got a little bit tired. He'll have a little break now and go for a winners of one in three to four weeks time. "He had been very impressive at home but disappointed twice on the track. I'd say he wants better ground."
