Burgage Stud, Leighlinbridge, County Carlow stallion Shantou, responsible for the second winner at Clonmel in Carriganog also sired the third race scorer when Silver Tassie justified odds-on favouritism in the www.clonmelraces.ie Novice Hurdle.

The hurdling of the Davy Condon-ridden Silver Tassie, may not have been as good in the closing stages, as it had been earlier in this two and a half miler.

Condon switched out the Patricia Hunt-owned and Noel Meade-trained Listowel Festival second, to deliver his challenge from before the straight.

He soon became involved in a protracted duel with old rival Top Cat Henry (beat Silver Tassie in a Wexford maiden hurdle on vastly different ground in July) but the 'jolly' was nicely on top at the finish, triumphing by two and a half lengths.

Noel Meade's racing assistant, Nina Carberry remarked: "I'm delighted with him. We were lucky he was entered today after the race being called off at Navan last weekend.

"The ground was definitely a bit against him – he'd prefer it a bit better.

"Davy said he raced a bit keen today and the ground will determine where he goes next.

"He might run on fresh ground – otherwise he'll probably be put away until the spring." (TW & EM)