Smullen in top form ahead of Galway Festival

PAT Smullen proved himself in top form ahead of the Galway Festival when recording a double in the opening races on last night’s card at Wexford where Philip Rothwell took the training honours thanks to the victories of Eyeffess and Mount Welcome.

Smullen, favourite to be top jockey again at Galway, was seen at his strongest on board the Michael Grassick-trained Trikirk in the opening Blackstairs Claiming Race as the Selkirk gelding had to work hard to see off longtime leader Roseska and Scrupulous.

“He was unlucky at Tramore the last day and is a hard horse to keep right,” explained the winning trainer. “But he appreciates an ease in the ground and we’ll mix it with him, back over hurdles and on the flat.”