Smith keeps up the good work with Ronald Pump

Matthew Smith continued a good recent run when saddling Ronald Pump to justify favouritism in the Join Fairyhouse Members Club Handicap Hurdle.

The top-weight was following up a victory at Cork last month, and benefitted from a patient ride by Paul Townend as he was stepped up to three miles here.

The 9/2 chance struck the front before the final flight, and kept on really well on the run-in to score by all of six lengths.

The consistent Agusta Gold took the runner-up spot, with Cher Why Not a further length and a half adrift in third.

Smith said, “Paul gave him a great ride and he said that he settled well and picked up real well for him. I was hoping we would have softer ground but he’s probably versatile enough ground wise.

“Three miles on that better ground probably suited him, and if it was heavy he could go over two and a half miles. It was nice that he backed up the win at Cork.

“We’ve had a good Christmas and the horses are running well so hopefully it will continue for another while.”

The Church Gate has won twice for Smith in recent weeks, while Warnaq is another to record a couple of wins for the Kilmessan trainer.