Ragin Cajun first leg of notable double for Smith family

Ragin Cajun came through off a fast pace to win decisively in the ThurlesRaces.ie Handicap Hurdle over an extended 2m4f. The Banger Doyle put in an indifferent round of jumping, but led turning for home, however, a mistake two out did him no favours as Ragin Cajun was produced by Danny Gilligan on the inner.

The 14/1 shot was full of running as picked off The Banger Doyle before the last and bounded away on the run-in to seal a five-length success from Ishan (15/2). Clonbury Bridge (25/1) was three-parts of a length back in third.

Gilligan said: "I thought we went very quick early on which suited my lad. He doesn't do a stroke when he gets there and Matthew (Smith, trainer) said to leave it as late as possible, but the race fell apart in front of me.

"He is quite a quirky horse and was off and on the bridle a bit but, I knew when I popped the question, there was plenty in the tank. He wasn't doing a whole pile in front, but landed running at the back of the last and hit the line well."

Just minutes later, Smith's son, James Smith, rode his first winner in Britain on Jonjo O'Neill's Itso Fury (5/1) at Wincanton.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes