Norville delights local trainer Smyth

The old adage of backing the outsider of three paid dividends in the seven furlong rated race at Down Royal as Norville (7/2) scored for Lee Smyth and Pat Smullen.

The seven-year-old gelding hit the front with a furlong and a half to race and he stayed on right to the line to beat recent course and distance winner Strait Of Zanzibar (6/4) by a length and three parts.

He had been slowly away from the gate, but kept on without getting to the winner. Once the 6/5 favourite Relentless Pursuit was headed a furlong and a half out he could give no more.

Lee Smyth said: “He’s been knocking on the door plenty. He runs in Richard Auld’s colours and that’s Richard’s first winner with me. He had come down in the handicap. The Curragh is his course, but winning a three-horse race here is the same as a 30-runner race in the Curragh. There were 12 declared for today.

“I’m based 10 minutes away. This is my first winner at this track. I’ve been trying to get a winner here for ages and the owners are here. Richard has given me the chance to train this horse. He was consistent in England.

“That’s my second win this year and I have five running at the minute and looking to get more. I had nine winners in my second year as a trainer but I had to go to Wolverhampton for them. I worked for Jim Bolger and led up Alexander Goldrun in 2004.”