Affair benefits from Smullen's advice Pat Smullen inadvertently worked against himself by giving trainer Vincent Ward some valuable advice which helped End Of The Affair (11/2) land the featured SEPAM Tipperary Perpetual Cup Handicap at the expense of the champion jockey's mount Oneeightofamile. Smullen cut out a lot of the running when partnered the seven-year-old at Leopardstown earlier this month, and his advice to use more patient tactics worked a treat. Sam James has made a great start to the Flat season, and recorded his fifth victory of the new campaign here when producing the mare to lead just over a furlong out for a three quarter length success over the 11/8 favourite. Winning trainer Vincent Ward said: “Pat said she was in front too long at Leopardstown the last day, so the plan was to get a lead. I was a bit apprehensive about running on this tight track with such a big mare but you have to go where the races are. She could go for the Grade 3 mares hurdle at Punchestown, although that may be a bit too hot for her and she could go for a winners-of-one instead.” Chris Hayes, who rode third placed Hunting Tower, was given a two day ban for careless riding following an incident early in the straight involving Mubrook and Oneeightofamile.
