Smithers enjoys beginner's luck at the last

Peter Smithers partnered a first winner at Wexford today on Outside The Door (8/1) in the Wexford Ladies Day August 5th Handicap Chase, scoring a fortunate success on his first chase ride.

The Hold Firm Syndicate-owned, Padraig Roche-trained gelding made the running but was headed by Mica Malpic after the second-last and was booked for second place, behind the three-lengths leader at the last.

However Mica Malpic fell at the fence, with Smithers holding firm to avoid the fallen horse and rider Simon Torrens, subsequently passing the line six and a half lengths ahead of runner-up Roped In

Trainer Roche, who had a breakthrough Cheltenham festival winner in March with Brazil, reported “we were fortunate, but we'll take it when we get it.

“That was his first handicap and it's great for Peter to ride his first winner. He is with me everyday, is a hard worker and the lads were good enough to give him the opportunity. We will keep him going during the summer over three miles, he is what he is."

Smithers added “that's my first winner, I'm from Monasterevin, am full-time with Padraig and have had fourteen rides over hurdles.

“I've always been around horses since I was a young lad and I did a bit of pony racing. I was with Mick Halford for a while and was going to get the apprentice license but got heavy and moved to Padraig's.

“I was lucky at the last but you need it in this game.”

Quotes from Donal Murphy