2 at the Curragh for Smullen

Fresh from a stint at Chelmsford City last evening Pat Smullen could have very easily had a four-timer at the Curragh today, but as it was he had to make do with a double, the culmination of which was his win on Silwana (10/11) in the Listed Loughbrown Stakes.

As well as his earlier win on Tylery Wonder for Willie McCreery, Smullen had lost out narrowly on Piazzini in the opener, and on True Solitaire in the featured Group 2 Beresford Stakes.

Here for his boss, Dermot Weld, on Silwana, Smullen got a clearer run through than last year's winner, and the runner-up now, Toe The Line

The multiple champion jockey was then strong in getting Silwana home by a neck from Toe The Line.

"She's a lovely tough mare and so is the second. I'll have to speak with Pat Downes and His Highness (owner, the Aga Khan) but the French St Leger will be considered," disclosed Weld.

"We won it before with Vinnie Roe. This race came a bit soon after Leopardstown, and I was a bit concerned as she had to run nearly four miles in the space of two weeks."

To more upcoming happenings in France and with the weather forecast looking good this week, Weld said: "We will delay a final decision on the Arc for Free Eagle until during the week."

J.P. O'Brien, rider of Altruistic trained by T.Hogan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly left handed.

W.J. Lee, rider of Alton Bay trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right when under pressure.

(AM & EM)