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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Horse power easily outpoints the bike

Thu 14th Aug 2014, 20:55

Pat Smullen and Moonbi Creek are well clear of cyclist Nicolas Roche in the Beast Vs Bike Race Pat Smullen and Moonbi Creek are well clear of cyclist Nicolas Roche in the Beast Vs Bike Race
© Photo Healy Racing

Pat Smullen completed a double of sorts on the evening at Leopardstown when getting the better of professional cyclist Nicolas Roche in the Beast v Bike challenge.

The two furlongs sprint up the straight at the Foxrock venue pitted Roche, cycling on the ambulance lane alongside the track, against Smullen riding the Dermot Weld-trained Moonbi Creek (finished eighth earlier in the six-furlong handicap).

Roche was allowed to build up to top speed before the two furlong pole with Smullen taking him on from a standing start but it soon proved something of a no contest.

Smullen got away briskly and was soon oozing confidence on the seven-year-old gelding, eventually winning by a wide margin hard held.

"My competitive edge came out and I got away maybe a bit too soon. I met Peter Matthews on the way in and he could have me up before the stewards!" said Smullen.

"It's for a great cause in the Childrens Hospital at Crumlin, and all the plaudits should really go to Nicolas who was set an impossible task really."

Smullen earlier partnered the Weld-trained Massinga to win the nine-furlong handicap.

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.