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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Ragin Cajun first leg of notable double for Smith family

Thu 23rd Nov 2023, 15:18

Ragin Cajun on his way to a five-length victoryRagin Cajun on his way to a five-length victory
© Photo Healy Racing

Ragin Cajun came through off a fast pace to win decisively in the ThurlesRaces.ie Handicap Hurdle over an extended 2m4f. The Banger Doyle put in an indifferent round of jumping, but led turning for home, however, a mistake two out did him no favours as Ragin Cajun was produced by Danny Gilligan on the inner.

The 14/1 shot was full of running as picked off The Banger Doyle before the last and bounded away on the run-in to seal a five-length success from Ishan (15/2). Clonbury Bridge (25/1) was three-parts of a length back in third.

Gilligan said: "I thought we went very quick early on which suited my lad. He doesn't do a stroke when he gets there and Matthew (Smith, trainer) said to leave it as late as possible, but the race fell apart in front of me.

"He is quite a quirky horse and was off and on the bridle a bit but, I knew when I popped the question, there was plenty in the tank. He wasn't doing a whole pile in front, but landed running at the back of the last and hit the line well."

Just minutes later, Smith's son, James Smith, rode his first winner in Britain on Jonjo O'Neill's Itso Fury (5/1) at Wincanton.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.