Conor Orr and Michael Kennedy with Smithscorner © Photo Healy Racing
Smithscorner got up close home to deny Powersbomb in the Tote Proud Sponsor Of The Galway Races Handicap Chase.
A winner at Wexford last summer, the Michael Kennedy trained gelding was placed on his last three starts, filling the runner-up spot in a valuable Grade B contest at Killarney on his most recent outing.
Sent off an 8/1 chance this evening under Conor Orr, the son of Kadeed raced in rear early on, making gradual progress on the final circuit.
Pushed along in sixth from the last, where he wasn't fluent, the nine-year-old took the inside course as they turned for home and this manoeuvre paid dividends, as he powered up the straight, hitting the front close home, going on to prevail by half a length.
Powersbomb (12/1), who travelled best from over a furlong out, had to settle for second under Phillip Enright for Brian McMahon, while Thecraicisninety (4/1) was another length back in third.
Roscommon winner Quamino was sent off the 11/4 favourite and he finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards interviewed C.J. Orr, rider of Smithscorner, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that the rider was in breach of both Regulation 10.3(f) force and Regulation 10.3(g) (frequency). Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended C.J. Orr for 8 racedays.
D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Paris Texas (FR) trained by Padraig Roche, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a mistake and pulled up.
