Davy Russell celebrates his Thurles treble© Photo Healy Racing
< Smashing justified favouritism in the Thurles Racecourse Supporters Club Chase, but had to survive a late scare to do so.
Sent off 9-10 market leader in the Listed feature, Henry de Bromhead's grey was soon out in front under Davy Russell and his task was made easier when the Willie Mullins-trained Avant Tout crashed out at the third-last under Ruby Walsh.
However, favourite-backers had a worrying moment when the leader made a mess of the next fence, but Smashing soon recomposed himself and stretched out for a comfortable five-length victory over Tennis Cap
Mullins and Walsh were out of luck again in the Rock Of Cashel (C & G) Beginners Chase as the well-fancied Arbre De Vie had to settle for second best behind Montys Meadow (5-2).
Jimmy Mangan's charge was sent straight to the front and although he was asked questions by the 4-11 favourite on the run in, he jumped the last two in good style to give Russell a quick-fire double with a length and a half to spare.
Russell completed a 99-1 treble when Mr Eko sprang a 14-1 surprise by 12 lengths from Mezendore in the Templemore Handicap Chase.
The Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Mares Beginners Chase looked a two-horse race on paper and that is how it proved, with Carrigmoorna Rock getting the better of Uranna
The latter, the 11-8 favourite, led his market rival into the home straight and was coming under pressure when making big mistake at the second-last, which handed the initiative to Philip Enright's gelding and the 7-4 chance went on to pull two and a quarter lengths clear.< Westerners Son showed a gutsy attitude to hold the sustained challenge of Goulane Chosen in the opening Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Rated Novice Chase, as Andrew Lynch's mount denied the favourite by a length and three-quarters to score at 7-2.< Milanesque (3-1fav) jumped his rivals into submission to land the closing Thurles Racecourse Handicap Chase by half and a half lengths from Rare Legend
