Smash The Lamp all heart in getting off the mark

Smash The Lamp rallied to great effect to grab her first career success in the second division of the staying handicap hurdle at Punchestown.

She was pushed along by Gary Noonan to mount her challenge between horses with just over a quarter of a mile to travel.

The Vinnie Roe mare led off the bend and was soon ridden to go and her win her race. Double-seeking Sam Ewing drove Ruhm Und Ehre after her and the latter jumped the final flight with a narrow lead.

Smash The Lamp refused to yield, though, and battled back to lead in the final 100 yards. She won going away by two and a half lengths at 15/2. Runner-up Ruhm Und Ehre was a 20/1 shot. Each-way backers drew a dividend from Ocean Legacy (14/1) and I Don't Get It (13/2) in third and fourth respectively.

Liam O'Brien said: “We're happy with that. I've been giving out about the handicapper for the last three months saying he's not dropping her enough to give us a chance.

“If heart was ability she'd be a Grade 1 horse because she's got some heart. She's lacking a little bit of ability but heart worked out for her there.

“She stays forever, for the size of her as she's only 15-1. You'd think she wouldn't handle that ground but obviously she does.

“As small as she is, she's a brilliant leaper so we'll probably go over fences with her as well.

“She might get a little break next month, a couple of weeks off, and then she'll be there for the summer.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson