Lord Dudley reaps benefit of his winter break

Lord Dudley fended them all off in the extended five furlong Smooth Daddy At Compas Stallions Handicap in Naas.

The 11/2 shot soon led with 7lb-claimer Jake Coen in the saddle and came under a drive in the final quarter of a mile as Breaking Story came with his challenge.

He was game in the final furlong as he was ridden out to see off a keeping-on Mickey The Steel (8/1) by half a length. Breaking Story was another half length back in third at 17/2.

“He’s been a great servant for us and has physically matured over the winter. We had big hopes for him today," trainer Kieran Cotter said.

“He’s 25 kilos heavier than last year and he was fit. He’s just a tough, tough horse.

“We’ll have a good bit of fun with him this year and maybe go for some of the better class races. He’ll be entitled to go for some of the premier handicaps."

This was the third victory of Lord Dudley's career having also scored in Roscommon and Fairyhouse.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee