Rawnaq eyes big Galway bonus

Rawnaq was backed down to 3/1 favouritism to score in the featured Fast Shipping Bellewstown Handicap Hurdle and he stylishly did the business by four and a half lengths.

The success was a real family affair as owner Kevin Smith is the father of trainer Matthew and jockey Kevin Junior and came in Bellewstown’s richest ever race (16,250 euro to the winner).

Rawnaq led after four out and was pushed clear approaching the last. Despite going through that flight he still had too much for Giant’s Quest (5/1) who came in second ahead of Usa (7/1).

Rawnaq had been 7/1 this morning and was backed in from 11/2 in the ring with plenty of late money. He now has the opportunity of scooping a 25,000 euro bonus if he wins the Galway Hurdle.

Delighted owner Kevin Smith said: “He appears to be an improving horse and fair play to Bellewstown as that is lovely safe ground out there.

“Galway is the plan. We hadn’t decided, but we’d have to think about the Galway Hurdle now.”

Jockey Kevin Smith added: “That was never in any doubt. He jumped great throughout and that was fantastic. He did it very well.”

This was Kevin's second winner as a jockey, both obtained on Rawnaq.

Matthew Smith has four horses in training. He wasn’t present as he was in Wexford saddling Pennys Tune [third in the 6.10].

Additional reporting by Alan Magee