Smullen and Harty Breathe Easy

Pat Smullen made all on Breathe Easy and had enough in the tank to repel Shalaman at the end of a mile and a quarter at the Curragh.

Breathe Easy did it from the front at this track last-time out under Rory Cleary over a mile and one, and Smullen negotiated the extra furlong on him today to win by a head at 7/2.

Shalaman came with a sustained challenge and was closing all the time in the last furlong, but he was narrowly beaten under Leigh Roche. Matthew Smith’s charge was returned the 5/2 favourite. Focas Mor who was subject to an on-course gamble from 20/1 to 12/1, raced second throughout and came off the bridle a good way out. He responded though to pressure and was only half a length back in third under Rory Cleary.

This made it four wins in eight races for the Sabrina Harty-trained four-year-old. He was up 6lbs for his last victory here. Three of his wins have come at this Co Kildare venue.

Harty was in Goodwood preparing for Ansgar's run in the Group 3 Doom Bar Supreme Stakes tomorrow.