There was a low-key start to the Northern Region’s autumn season on Saturday at Tullymurry, where Steven Smith ruled supreme in the novice class and firm going resulted in a number of withdrawals at all levels.

“The ground is what it is, you just had to respect it,” said Smith who filled the first three places in the 10-runner CNC*, his only rides of the day. “I took all three of my horses slowly downhill but let them gallop on uphill.”