53/1 Dundalk double for Smullen

Pat Smullen pleased his many supporters when completing a 53/1 double on So Sensible in the Dundalk Stadium On Facebook Rated Race.

Half-an-hour earlier the champion jockey had been successful on Tony Carroll's Serenity Spa and here in this seven furlong event he was never far away on the Herb Stanley owned and bred So Sensible.

He got the Tagula gelding to the front a furlong out and the 8/1 shot kept on under pressure inside the final furlong to hold on from Wishyouwerehere by a head.

The well-backed favourite Corker Hill had to settle for third place having made the running.

"He's only a three-year-old and will be a nice horse next year," said Sheena Collins, representing her sister, winning trainer Tracey.

Meanwhile Smullen commented: "He battled well and was entitled to win that on his Galway run (a win in September)."

C.R. King, rider of Footprint trained by Patrick Martin, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Footprint, trained by Patrick Martin, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be Post Race Normal.

The Stewards requested a report from Tracey Collins, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of So Sensible, winner, as compared with it's most recent run on the 5th November at Dundalk, where he finished last of 14 beaten 9 and 3/4 lengths.

Ms. Sheena Collins, authorised representative of the trainer concerned, reported that the horse's last run was his first run back after a break, his first run on the surface and his first time under lights. Also, the horse was badly drawn and broke poorly, and later suffered some interference in the home straight and was eased.

This evening the horse broke well and benefitted from being ridden more prominently, and this may have brought about any improvement in form.

Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

D.E. Mullins, rider of Sacred Dragon (USA), trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was unable to go the pace early in the race, and got tight for room before leaving the back straight.

(GC & EM)