Smullen at the double on Pirita

Pat Smullen brought up his Down Royal double on Moyglare Stud’s Pirita in the five furlong maiden.

With Eva-Maria Bucher-Haefner from the stud farm in attendance, this was a timely winner for Demot Weld and Smullen.

The three-year-old filly, who had been fourth on racecourse debut in Fairyhouse almost a year ago, was brought into contention a furlong out and had too many guns for her rivals in winning by a length at 11/4.

Pat Smullen said: “It was important to win as the owner is very fond of her and travelled up to see her. Her form was good. She had a few little problems since her first run.

“This is a starting point for her, but longterm we would try to travel with her and get some black type. She’s a real five furlong filly.”

Smullen had won the preceeding race on Primo Uomo