Review WEXFORD 27TH AUG

Pat Smullen drew level with the sidelined Fran Berry at the top of the Flat jockeys championship when partnering a double on the Dermot Weld-trained pair Ansar and Mosaique Beauty.

Ansar, who won the Galway Plate for the second successive year at Ballybrit last month, successfully reverted to the level in the Tote-sponsored two miles handicap.

The 5/4 favourite was prominent throughout and, having looked in trouble for a few strides before the straight, rallied strongly to beat Pacolet by two lengths.

Weld will consider a number of staying Flat handicaps for the dual purpose gelding including the Cesarewitch at Newmarket and the Leopardstown November Handicap.

Smullen, now on the 58 winner mark for the year, was successful earlier on Mosaique Beauty in the 1m5f maiden, heading the 5/4 favourite Massuci inside the final furlong to score by two lengths.

Clear top jumps rider Ruby Walsh was seen at his best when partnering Superdarn to take the opening Tote Ireland 75th Anniversary Maiden Hurdle.

Walsh gave the gelding a very patient ride, coming from well off the pace to lead on the run-in for a two lengths verdict over Smile Later.

Tom Mullins, who trains the winner for his mother Maureen, said 'That was a great ride by the champion. He loves that ground and was unlucky not to win a bumper.'

Articulation appreciated the addition of blinkers when landing the Paddy McGee Wexford Ltd Novice Hurdle in fine style under Davy Russell.

The Charles Byrnes-trained four-year-old was ridden clear after the second last and kept on well in the straight to beat Emeranna by two lengths.

Russell, notching up his 20th winner of the season, said 'The blinkers helped him as they made him concentrate and he jumped well.'

Niall Madden was seen to good effect aboard Dare To Dance, who made up three lengths from the last to eventually beat Le Caro by 3/4L in the handicap hurdle.

'He deserved to win that as he's come back with a few knocks after previous races and he'll jump fences in the future,' commented trainer Dick Donohoe.

Dash Of Grey, claimed out of the Paul Nolan yard for 12,200 after finishing second at Tramore earlier this month, repaid new connections by making virtually all in the 1m5f handicap.

The six-year-old grey set a strong pace under Brian Carey, and stayed on gamely in the straight to repel the challenge of Sian Thomas by a length.

Trainer Finbar Tierney, who plans to expand his string to 25 this autumn, hopes to hand over the reins to his son Ruairi at the end of this year.