Philip Rothwell has endured a quiet time of late but Smack That put a smile back on the Tinahely handler's face with a neck success under Declan Bates in the Christmas Greetings Handicap Hurdle.

This Rashar gelding fought off the strong challenge of the well-backed favourite, Rivage D'Or (100/30 into 9/4) with a length back to Nans Best

Rothwell said afterwards: "My horses weren't right but please God we'll have a good Christmas now. We've had a quiet time (last winner Vinnes Friend on the 24th of October at Wexford).

"We had a little problem with feed which we sorted and the horses are back flying at home now. That is Declan's third winner and he is a good kid. He'll ride plenty of winners."

Smack That was winning this event for the second year running.