Change of gear for retiring Smyth

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