Spirituoso off the mark on turf in style

Spirituoso recorded her first victory on turf when running out a comprehensive winner of the first division of the apprentice handicap at Navan.

Jack Kearney held his mount up in the early stages of the ten furlong contest before driving her to the front a furlong-and-a-half from home.

The 9/1 shot soon settled matters and Kearney just had to keep her up to her work in the closing stages to record a five-length win over Kartayaz

Spirituoso was recording her third career win, with her previous successes coming on all-weather surfaces at Dundalk and Kempton.

“I think Jack was riding his finish to the furlong pole there. He did stand up and I hope the handicapper understands that he's young and inexperienced and didn't know what he was doing!” said Smyth.

“She won very well in fairness, she's simple and straight-forward and had been very good since changing hands for the new owner.

“She needs a bit of pace up front and the last day at Dundalk she got no pace and it just didn't work out for her. I thought she'd win the last day but she's made up for it today.

“Jack is riding a bit of work for me lately. He's got three rides for me today and it's great that he's got a win.

“The owner David Adams is a great supporter of the yard and it's great for him to get another winner.

“She'll go back to Dundalk for the winter and then we'll move her on. She's doing nothing wrong at the minute and hopefully there are some more wins in her.”