Mighty Mo Missouri and Conor Smithers win the Kilbeggan Maiden Hurdle © Photo Healy Racing
Mighty Mo Missouri made just about all the running under Conor Smithers to finally get his head in front over flights in the Follow Kilbeggan Races On Facebook Maiden Hurdle at the midlands track.
A consistent sort all winter, the Jessica Harrington trained four-year-old had been runner-up on three occasions, as well as representing his connections at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals.
After two recent spins on the flat, the Zoffany gelding reverted to hurdling here in a race where his form from earlier in the year made him a leading contender.
Sent straight to the front by Conor Smithers, the locally owned gelding built up a sizeable lead by halfway but came back to the field after the second last flight, appearing to be in a bit of trouble.
However, his jockey had judged the pace to a tee, finding that bit extra to kick on again after the last, eventually running out a comfortable two-and-three-quarter lengths winner.
Conor Smithers, riding his third winner, said: “He’s a horse that will always be doing the bare minimum. He won’t have a burst of speed and you need to set a good gallop.
“When he gets his way up front he’ll stay going all day.
“He’s been a good servant to me and brought me to Cheltenham as well which was an amazing experience. Horses came around him over there and he kind of threw in the towel.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
