The improving Phil The Flyer landed his hat-trick in style when claiming the Woodlands Hotel Adare Handicap Hurdle at Tipperary.

Ray Hackett 's charge had won with ease at Navan eight days ago and defied a 14lb hike with the minimum of fuss.

Jack Kennedy was back on board having won on the gelding in Cork and he let his mount jump into the lead four from home.

There were plenty stacked up behind turning for home but Phil The Flyer asserted before the last and kept on strongly on the run-in for a four-length success.

"He'll now go into the category where he must step up and if he's not good enough, he'll go chasing," said Hackett.

"Jumping and galloping is all he does and he's tough. They went a right lick early on and Jack is a cool customer for a young lad.

"He gets further and I was anxious for him to be in front turning in and put them to the sword."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)