Smullen back in business

Pat Smullen reignited the Irish Jockeys’ Championship by riding a treble at Leopardstown.

Smullen took full advantage of the fact his main rival Johnny Murtagh was absent due to his participation in the Breeders’ Cup in America.

The gap is now down to just four, with Murtagh on 88 and Smullen on 84.

With Murtagh also absent from Dundalk’s meeting on Saturday Smullen can close the gap still further as he will not be going out to partner Muhannak in defence of his Breeders’ Cup Marathon title.

“As I now won’t be in LA tomorrow I’ll be riding up in Dundalk so hopefully I can get a bit closer with a winner there, the reality is I still have a fair mountain to climb but I’m still in with a shot and will be giving it everything between now and November 27,” said Smullen.

After the events at Leopardstown, William Hill now make Murtagh their 4-9 favourite with Smullen still available at 13-8.