Smullen closes gap on Kinane to three
Some weeks back Smullen looked long odds against to retain his title, but coughing at Ballydoyle and a huge upsurge, because of the much improved ground conditions, in the form of Weld’s horses have seen him close relentlessly on leader, Michael Kinane.
The Turn Of Phrase success saw Smullen hit the 55-winner mark for the campaign, just three adrift of Kinane. He is riding at the very top of his form, partnering the blinkered Cadeaux Genereux gelding with total confidence. Smullen was in no hurry, but produced Turn Of Phrase from off the pace to sweep ahead entering the final furlong.
“Our horses are flying and I am going to give it everything to try and win the championship again’’, said Smullen.
“But it is going to be very difficult. I have a lot of trips away coming up. I believe I will be going to America three times and, of course, there’s also Australia (Vinnie Roe, Melbourne Cup).’’
Mark Grant, who has made a favourable impression since turning professional, was on the mark when partnering Donie Hassett’s Legal Crack to win the first section of the Boylesports’ Handicap Hurdle.
Grant sent the six-year-old to the front before the straight and kept him going in fine style from the last to beat the persistent Nimvara half a length.
“That’s a pleasant surprise’’, exclaimed Hassett. “He ran terrible at Clonmel and hung like a gate.
“I told everyone he had no chance, but maybe travelling in this direction is the key.’’
The stewards inquired into the apparent improvement in form and noted the explanation offered by Hassett.
Tom Cooper, who trains at nearby Tralee, saddled Gallileo Strike to take the first division of the Laurels Bar Handicap.
In-form Dariole went off market leader and looked the likely winner when eased to the front with over three furlongs to go by Paul Carberry.
He approached the final furlong a couple of lengths to the good, but soon began to labour and Fran Berry seized the opportunity to drive Gallileo Strike a head close home.
Said Cooper: “If the ground stays on the fast side he will run in a two mile handicap on the flat at Listowel.’’
Cooped enjoyed the second double of his career when Beaufort Belle took the second division of the Boylesports’ Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Barry Geraghty.
Beaufort Belle, owned by Beaufort, just five miles away, farmer Michael Galvin edged on heading to the final flight, after runner-up Adam’sfool had spoilt his chance by jumping away to his right over the third and second last flights.
Cooper’s previous double came with the same two horses at Tramore last year. Quipped owner-Galvin: “My only ambition was to have a winner at Killarney before I die!’’
Slaney Fox proved a disappointing market leader in the EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle, leading three out, but finding little for pressure once Paul Carberry sent Ask The Accountant past before the final flight.
Said trainer, Michael Halford: “She’s a fine big mare and jumps great. We’ll keep going with her and try and win a flat handicap next.’’
The second division of the Laurels Bar Handicap saw Pat Shanahan bring the Robbie Osborne trained Luferton Lane with a late surge to beat Society Friend going away by a length and a half.
Wayne Lordan, who rode fourth placed Sophiyah in this contest, was found guilty of excessive use of the whip and suspended for one day.
He was also ordered to attend RACE for a day and severely cautioned regarding his future riding.
Shanahan rode a typical whirlwind finish to complete a double on Irene Oakes’ Avoir Du Cran in the Killarney Vintners’ Handicap.
The blinkered Bigstone gelding, fresh from a victory over flights at Tipperary, flashed though to grab No Frontier, in front with over a furlong to go, on the line.
Bookmakers, who had the best of the battle, rounded of their afternoon with a screamer in the Niall Brosnan and Co Solicitors’ Novice Hurdle when 10-1 shot Three Gents went on before the home turn to score in a canter.
Some big bets went west on favourite Royal Destiny. He was backed from evens to 4-7, but, after trying to make all, went out like a light once headed. He was subsequently found to be lame behind.
