Veteran trainer Harry Smyth announced his retirement intentions at Downpatrick today, following the success of his Willyouwalkwithme in the Roadstud Installations Handicap Hurdle.

Ridden by Shane O'Callaghan, Willyouwalkwithme notched a fourth career win, and a third over today's 2m2f course, when beating Single Edition by a length and a quarter.

Smyth, whom Rachael Blackmore has credited following early assistance in her career, said “training is a fun exercise and I'll be retiring very shortly. I don't want to do it anymore, I'm tired. I'm 85 and I'll be 86 shortly.

“I'm 40 years in this game, but it is only a fun exercise. It is not my living, I repair gearboxes for a living. It has always given me a kick - I don't drink or smoke, I have four horses and I live for them, that's all I do.

“It is hard to give up anything and I drove stock cars in the championship of the world three times. I was there for 25 years too."

Regarding 12/1 winner Willyouwalkwithme, the Ballyclare-based trainer added "Ask The Leader was (forecast) favourite and he has beaten him twice so I don't know where they (the bookmakers) were coming from - I couldn't see the reasoning in that!”

Quotes from Michael Graham