Al Mancilia and Pat Smullen (nearest) just beat Elusive Express © Photo Healy Racing
Pat Smullen moved two clear of Joseph O'Brien in the jockeys title race when giving Al Mancilia a strong drive to land the first division of the 47-65 handicap at Dundalk. Refuse Colette had taken them along in the mile contest but was claimed by Elusive Express two furlongs from home.
Al Mancilia (8/1 into 7/1) looked under pressure in fourth then but stayed on gamey to challenge at the furlong pole and got on top in the closing stages for a half-length success.
The Pat Flynn-trained winner was bouncing back to form having struggled in testing conditions at Tipperary last month. She had won at Wexford on fast ground previously.
"Pat was hoping she'd handle the surface," revealed Smullen afterwards.
"The last day at Tipperary it was quite soft and it didn't suit her. I got a lovely run around from a good draw and she battled well in the finish."
The win moved Smullen on to 74 for the season with O'Brien on 72.
(On course reporting by Alan Magee)
