Smith trains 1st winner as Orr doubles up Kevin Smith trained his first winner when It Takes Time (40/1) triumphed under Conor Orr at Downpatrick. Orr was doubling his score on the card in this Homecare Maiden Hurdle. The Donegal five pound claimer teamed up with Gary McGill earlier to win on Dollys Destination, whilst his brother Oisin won the Group Three sprint at the Curragh on Glen Shiel. Kevin Smith, a brother of established handler Matthew, sent out It Takes Time to win in first time cheek-pieces for his father, also Kevin. The Arcadio mare beat Golden Nomad by two and three parts of a length. Orr said: "I think the cheek-pieces made a big difference. She is still quite green - she has had plenty of runs but doesn't know what to do when she's in front. "Hopefully there will be another race or two in her. She has done that well today so hopefully at these types of tracks she might be competitive. "She enjoyed that ground but maybe a bit more cut would do no harm. She definitely wouldn't want it any quicker than that, though." And on his double he said: "Brilliant day and it has been a good couple of weeks. I'll go anywhere for winners!" The Stewards requested a report from Kevin Michael Smith, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of It Takes Time, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that this mare may have found the two mile trip at Kilbeggan a little sharp and the longer trip today combined with the first time application of sheepskin cheek pieces may account for the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered. P.J. O'Hanlon, rider of Get Away On trained by R. K. Watson, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly left. (MG & EM)
