Pat Smullen and Jembatt after winning the last© Photo Healy Racing
The Michael Mulvany trained Jembatt stayed on strongly under Pat Smullen (double for him after winning earlier on Famous Name to take the last at the Curragh this afternoon, the Irish Field Handicap over seven furlongs.
The 5yo son of Captain Rio was held up towards the rear in the early stages before he made headway into eighth two furlongs from home.
He was ridden into second a furlong out before hitting the front with 200 yards left to race, staying on strongly from there to record a comfortable four and three parts of a length success.
The Ger Lyons trained Joe Eile finished second under Emmet McNamara at 6/1 while Edenshaw was a further length and a half back in third at 12/1 for Gerard O’Leary and Gary Carroll (replaced Joseph O’Brien). Man Of Erin was sent off the 11/4 favourite under Billy Lee (replaced the injured Johnny Murtagh) but he could only manage seventh for trainer Bill Farrell.
The winner was returned at 5/1 but opened at 9/1 with Paddy Powers this morning.
Winning trainer Michael Mulvany said afterwards: "I didn't think he would handle the ground.
"He (Pat Smullen) was trying to ride him from off the pace and he came through really well.
"I hope the handicapper doesn’t be too hard on him. He is entered in the Leopardstown on Thursday but we will see how he comes out of this first."
(On-course reporting by Alan Magee)
