Smullen steps in for Vibes win

Pat Smullen picked up a winning spare ride when Positive Vibes produced a game-front running performance in the Tickincor Handicap at Clonmel.

Smullen replaced the injured Fran Berry on Arthur Moore's charge and was keen to lead on the Nayef gelding.

He had November Power for company for most of the ten furlong contest, as the pair raced clear of the field, but kicked on from that rival over a furlong from home.

The 11/2 shot galloped on strongly for a four-and-a-half length success as November Power just held the charging pack to secure the runner-up spot.

"It's unfortunate to get a winner like that and hopefully Fran is okay," said Smullen afterwards.

Moore was thankful to jockeys agent Ciaran O'Toole who had persuaded him to run in the race:-

"I owe this one to Ciaran O'Toole as I was going to run him in a handicap hurdle at Galway next Tuesday.

"Ciaran rang me at a quarter to ten yesterday to see if I was going to run as he thought it looked a weak race.

"The Sligo run came too quickly for him. He was as quiet as a lamb there and it was good to see him a lot hotter here today.

"He jumps very well and is a nice dual purpose horse."

Moore also revealed that he had last teamed up successfully with Smullen back in June 2005 when Polly Anthus had taken a Sligo handicap.

(On course reporting by Alan Magee)