Smullen closes gap on Kinane to three

CHAMPION jockey Pat Smullen, fresh from a terrific weekend at the Curragh, wasted no time getting among the winners at Killarney yesterday when booting Dermot Weld’s Turn Of Phrase to victory in the opening Boylesports’ Handicap.

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.