Limerick jockeys visit the winners enclosure

NEWCASTLE West conditional rider Gary Noonan teamed up with owner/trainer Liam O'Brien to land the second division of the three-mile handicap hurdle at Punchestown on Monday last on the eight-year-old Smash The Lamp.

The 15/2 chance edged clear before the final flight and picked up well when challenged by the Paul Traynor-trained Ruhm Und Here on the run-in to win by two and a half lengths. The successful Fethard trainer commented, “As small as she is at 15-1, she’s a brilliant leaper and we’ll probably go over fences with her as well. She might get a little break next month, a couple of weeks off, and then she’ll be there for the summer.”

Shanagolden jockey Chris Hayes partnered the opening winner at Dundalk on Friday night where he won the five-furlong handicap on the Lee Smyth-trained Adams Barbour.

The five-year-old was a winner over six furlongs at the track just two days earlier and looked better again over the minimum trip with a two and a quarter-length win over the Ado McGuinness-trained Eglish at odds of 7/4 favourite.

Upcoming Fixtures

Fairyhouse – Wednesday, February 9 (First Race 1.15pm)

Thurles – Thursday, February 10 (First Race 1.45pm)

Dundalk – Friday. February 11 (First Race 5.30pm)

Naas – Saturday, February 12 (First Race 1.25pm)

Punchestown – Sunday, February 13 (First Race 1.40pm)