Not A Whisper ran out a convincing winner of the first division of the seven-furlong handicap at Tipperary tonight.

Pat Smullen tracked the front-runner Chicago Fire before taking over turning for home on the 15/8 favourite (11/4 this morning).

The Aidan Howard-trained mare galloped on strongly in the closing stages and was in control inside the final furlong. Smullen was pulling up passing the line for a length-and-a-quarter win over Jackie Ellis

Not A Whisper had been unlucky in running when beaten favourite in a Leopardstown handicap six days ago.

"I was delighted with the way she came out of her race the last day - she was drawn wide in 18 then and Pat came in and said things didn't work out,” said Howard.

"I was hoping today wouldn't come too soon but she handled the ground well and galloped all the way to the line.

"Barry Cash (jockey) has been doing a great job getting her to settle over hurdles and I have to thank him, Conor O'Dwyer and Jenny Lynch who all helped me today, as I broke down on the way here."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)