Lad outstays rivals for cosy win Aine’s Lad stayed on best in attritional conditions to run out a cosy winner of the William Hill Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle at Thurles. James Smith took the mount on the Kalanisi gelding, trained by his father Matthew, and produced the 5/1 shot to dispute on the top bend. He went to the front after the second last, in the race run just shy of two-miles-seven, and asked his mount to assert before the final flight. Smith could afford to ease up on the run-in for a nine length win over Milanaway. Rider Praises Mud-Larking Ability The winner had posted an improved effort when runner-up at Naas 10 days ago and the winning rider said:- "He ran a cracker the last day when he was unlucky to just bump into one. He loves the heavy ground and won nicely today.  "He has had a few little problems and it has taken a while for the penny to drop but they are straightened out now and today's race went to plan." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
