Smullen off the mark in September at Ballybrit

Two seconds and a beaten favourite could be consigned to memory for Pat Smullen when he landed race number four on the card at Galway, the James P. Cunningham Electrical Handicap on the Joe Murphy-trained Consonance (shedding his maiden tag at the 9th attempt).

Smullen went for home turning-in on Chineur-gelding and despite apprentice Charlie Elliott looking good on Crystal Wings in behind, that 10Ib claimer could never get the required racing room.

Smullen kept his mount racing on the rail and Elliott was unable to engineer a gap on Paul Flynn's charge, a length separating the pair at the line.

Murphy said: "I thought the handicapper had a hold of him but he is honest and genuine and that's what got him though today.

"He's a horse of limited ability and we're delighted to get that win, he deserved it."

The Stewards requested a report from Mr.Paul W.Flynn, trainer concerning the apparent improvement in form of Crystal Wings, placed second compared to his previous form.

The trainer reported that his charge appeared to relish today’s heavy conditions and that the application of blinkers for the first time had helped bring about the improvement.

Having considered the report the stewards noted it’s content.

(DM & EM)