The Henry De Bromhead trained, Davy Russell ridden Smashing booked his Cheltenham ticket with a fine front running display when winning the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase at Gowran today.

Russell, substituting for owners Ann and Alan Potts' retained but injured jockey Jonathan Burke, sent the French bred gelding clear from the second last fence and the pair stayed on strongly for an 11 lengths win over Morning Assembly

Following the race De Bromhead confirmed Smashing's Cheltenham Ryanair Chase possibilities, saying “I'd imagine we have no option now on ratings and we'll see how things unfold.”

He added “I' delighted with that and Davy knew him a lot better today.

“I thought his jumping was brilliant — spectacular. He's a real good horse on that ground and we have to see whether he can translate that to better ground. I don't think he'll be as effective on better ground but I always think the worst!

“He was fourth in the Coral Cup on better ground and obviously I ran him in completely the wrong race last year, in the Arkle, where he got lost.

“We're delighted to win this prestigious race today.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson