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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

McGuinness filly puts up Smart performance at Down Royal

Fri 31st May 2024, 17:52

She's Smart and Adam Caffrey.She's Smart and Adam Caffrey.
© Photo Healy Racing

The Adrian McGuinness trained She's Smart overcame a slow start before eventually running out a game winner of the opening BoyleSports Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap at Down Royal.

One of the last to leave the stalls, jockey Adam Caffrey rode a patient waiting race, allowing the Dandy Man filly plenty of time to get back into contention.

Weaving his way through the field to sit third entering the straight, Caffrey produced his mount to challenge leader Dark Enigma over a furlong out.

Ridden to draw alongside over 150 yards out, She's Smart showed a willing attitude to go on close home to score by one-and-a-quarter lengths.

Ado McGuinness said: "She's an English import and she had a very good run in Newmarket last year in a maiden. She got a very high rating.

"I ran her in a claimer because Jim (Fairhurst) was going to sell her, we just didn't think she was worth keeping because she was so high.

"The handicapper gave her a chance, he dropped her 7lb I think from her last run. She did surprise me today believe you me.

"She did show a good attitude and Adam gave her a good ride - they went very hard and he took his time with her and let her take her chance to come home. She came home well.

"She'll get another day somewhere along the line, fingers crossed."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.

1st
14/1
Tote €19.80 €4.10
2nd
1.25L
3/1Fav
€1.40
3rd
1.75L
10/1
€3.40
4th
1.25L
9/1
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.