26/1 Dundalk brace for Smullen

Pat Smullen added to his earlier gains on Petit Adagio when guiding Tracey Collins' top-weight, Beat The Ballot home in division two of the Coast Tavern Laytown Handicap at Dundalk.

In the familiar colours of Collins' mother, Barbara, Smullen got this well-supported 7/2 favourite to lead two furlongs out.

Ridden a furlong out, the successful Big Bad Bob gelding kept on well inside the final furlong to see off Coach Bombay by a length.

"I'll have a very happy owner and I'll get breakfast in the morning now!" said Collins.

"He's been genuine and consistent but is just difficult to train. Everything went right and Pat gave him a lovely ride."

Of course Collins had earlier saddled Captain Joy to finish second in the 7.05, and all roads now lead to Lingfield, on Good Friday, for that one.

C.D. Hayes, rider of Forbidden City trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount reared on leaving stalls and ran very keen during this race.(GC & EM)