Easy in the 'ring' & easy on the track for Clashnabrook

Clashnabrook defied notable market weakness to bolt up in the Ian Smith Handicap Hurdle from the gamble of the contest Too Late To Sell (as big as 10s this morning into 4s, though Mark Me Up didn't run) at Fairyhouse.

Philip Enright was never too far off the pace on the successful Alderbrook gelding who landed a gamble at Limerick at Christmas. The well-bred gelding (from the family of Hillwalk, Dowhatyoulike, Jet Rules, Jet Tabs and Canasta) went on travelling well in the straight and he was clear from before the last on the way to a comfortable five and a half length win.

Second in a point-to-point to Peddlers Cross and unfortunate at Tramore on New Year's Eve, Eoghan O'Grady trains Clashnabrook for his father Arthur and he said: "He's in again at Thurles on Thursday and he'll either go there or come back here in ten days.

"The last day maybe came a bit soon for him." (GC & EM)