IRISH jumps racing has been quiet since the frenzy of the festive season, but the meeting at Naas last Sunday did at least feature a major contest on the novice hurdling scene.

The Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle provided the odds-on Next Destination with his first Grade 1 success, but it was not entirely plain sailing, as he held the persistent Cracking Smart – a gelding he had beaten comfortably the time before – by just a length.