18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Smullen gets his first century

Sun 21st Sep 2014, 16:37

Pat Smullen celebrates with Brooch in Gowran ParkPat Smullen celebrates with Brooch in Gowran Park
© Photo Healy Racing

Pat Smullen brought up his first century with a winning ride on Brooch in the featured Group 3 Denny Cordell Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Fillies Stakes at Gowran Park.

The 11/8 favourite tracked English raider Regardez throughout. Smullen was pushing along on her coming into the home straight as Regardez made a bold bid to make all.

It wasn’t until deep inside the final furlong that Brooch finally mastered her rival and got up late on to land 47,125 euro by half a length.

Ralph Beckett’s charge paid for the trip over with a second-placed reward. She was a length and three parts in front of another raider, Odeliz (11/4).

Pat Smullen said: “It's probably more a personal thing than anything. It's not an easy achievement in Ireland. It's down to the power of the Dermot Weld stable, a good agent and support from a lot of trainers. It's a good achievement and I'm delighted with it.

Dermot Weld added: “That's wonderful. It's Pat's 100th winner of the season and my 15th Group winner this season.

“She has progressed nicely through the ranks, winning her maiden then a Listed race and now a Group race. I imagine that'll probably be it for the year.

“She always appreciates a nice ease in the ground and when I came here and walked the track I was delighted. It's in beautiful condition and a credit to the ground staff.

“She could develop into a Group One filly next year. The two English fillies she beat have been running at the top level.”

It was also a double on the card for Weld and Smullen who landed race two with Intransive

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.