Donal Murphy
Smullen doubles up as Carried takes the last
George and Prunella Dobbs with Pat Smullen
© Photo Healy Racing
Pat Smullen completed a first and last race double at Dundalk this evening, taking the concluding Ladbrokes.com Handicap aboard the Prunella Dobbs trained Carried
The consistent all-weather performer finished second on his last start at the Co Louth venue, just three parts of a length behind Gretzky.
Having opened at 11/2 with Paddy Power last night, the four-year-old son of Footstepsinthesand was well-supported, opening on-course at just 4/1 before going off the 7/2 second favourite.
Drawn in stall two, the bay gelding broke smartly to lead and he made all from there, kicking a few lengths clear early in the home straight, staying on well to win by two and a quarter lengths. Knight's Parade (25/1), under Sean Corby, ran a fine race to take second on just his second start for Gordon Elliott, while Cottlesloe (11/2) was a further length and a quarter back in third under Declan McDonogh for Charles O’Brien.
Prunella Dobbs said afterwards: "He's been so consistent and he is a joy to train. He is just improving and it is lovely when a horse moves up through the ranks.
"Pat rode him positively and he stays.
"Looking forward he will need top of the ground, and eventually he will go hurdling, and we will have some fun with him as he stays and has speed."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham