Smullen draws level with four-timer

Pat Smullen continued in remarkable form at Dundalk tonight when taking his fourth straight race on the card aboard Hunaina and moving level with Colin Keane in the jockeys title race.

It was also a treble on the card for trainer Michael Halford as the Aga Khan-owned filly produced a fine front-running performance in the €30,000 fillies handicap.

Smullen was soon in front on the 13/2 shot and she had her rivals on the stretch over a furlong from home. The daughter of Tamayuz stuck on well in the closing stages for a length-and-three-quarters victory over Belle Boyd

The winner had been fifth at the Curragh on her last start in August having won the previous month at Leopardstown.

“That gives me hope. Both myself and Colin would never be resting on our laurels, and we’ll be trying until the last day," said Smullen.

"It’s a good battle and hats off to Colin as well but tonight was important to get back into the hunt.

“There is one or two days I’m going to miss with horses travelling like Sunday I’m in Belmont, so it’s important to have nights like tonight. I think it will go to the last day, and we’ll be working exceptionally hard between now and then.”

Halford added:- “The horses are in good form thankfully. We knew she'd love the surface having won on it last year and she likes making the running. She picked up well and was quite impressive. I'd imagine she'll come back here for the Cooley Stakes in a fortnight.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)